"Being" Converted

Maya Angelou is one of my favorite writers, poets & thinkers. I actually met her once, but I will bet you dollars to doughnuts she couldn't pick me out of a police lineup :) One time, I was watching her on a national telecast where after she was interviewed by a "pro," the masses were able to ask her questions in an organized Q & A. There was an enormous number of college students who had come to listen and learn from one of their idols. During the public "open mike" time, a young woman who was in the first year of doing her master's studies at NYU rose to ask her a question. Her question went something like, "Ms. Angelou, I am an incredible fan of yours... your writings have changed me. I sense in your writings a lot of faith, a definite belief in God. I am searching spiritually myself. If it is not too much to ask, can I ask you to share what religion or faith group you ascribe to?" Maya's answer was classic: "Well, I'm trying to be a Christian! It's a lot of work, and it ain't easy, but I work at it every day. I have been working at it for over 70 years. That's why I am amazed by 18 and 19 year old students who run up to me on college campuses and say, 'Hi, Ms. Angelou, I'm a born again Christian!' I always say, "Already?!"


Our worshipping community has traveled close to four months through one of the books of the Bible, the Book of Acts, during our Sunday worship experiences.  Hearing the testimonies of these first Missionary pioneers makes me realize how far I have to go to be a true "follower of the Way" (that's what Christ-followers were referred to back then... the term "Christian" was a label that did not show up for hundreds of years). The boldness and conviction in which these great ambassadors walked is something I can only aspire to... BUT, I am learning, and I am climbing! I do not think I will leave this journey through Acts, the same way as I entered it!

That is finally the goal. Acts is a case-study in "conversions." The word conversion, literally means a "reorientation." It means to turn around and move in another direction. When reading the Book of Acts, I have decided it means to be converted (to turn) and then spend the rest of your life being converted!

The next three weeks at GMUMC, we will close our study of Acts summing up what it means to "be converted."  If you want to join us in the journey of spending "the rest of our lives being converted," buckle up and come on in!  We worship every Sunday at 9:30 (Heritage); 10:30 (Mosaic); 11:45 (Odyssey).  Be sure to introduce yourself when you come!