There are certain people in my life to whom I feel the closest.  In some cases that has to do with how long I have known them.  But even more, it has to do with how well I KNOW them and they KNOW me.  It has to do with a willingness to love unconditionally, to be totally open and vulnerable, to be intimate, to have total trust with every thought, feeling, expression…to be free to be one’s true self.  To feel that you are deeply known by someone else is such a gift of love!

This week I have had the opportunity to be in a place called Stone Mountain, Georgia.  My friend is a pastor there and she and I entered the ministry together 30 years ago.

The photos you see were taken in Stone Mountain.  The small village sits at the base of the mountain.  The photo of the Christmas tree on top was my first visit there.  That view was taken outside my bedroom window at night.  I felt like it was shining just for me.  I felt some connection to the mountain which is the landmark and represents the strength of that community.

This visit we went to “Tunes by the Track”.  It happens every Friday night.  Locals bring their lawn chairs and gather beside the railroad tracks which run right through the center of town.  As the little band played, I couldn’t help but notice the older couple sitting in front of me holding hands.  I was touched by this as I listened to the words of the music…”I’ll be here for you….that’s all you really need to know.” Something about that moment spoke to me of this entire community. They are very diverse, yet they have come together to love unconditionally and to be their true selves with one another.

As you enter the red door to the church where Ellen and I preached together on Sunday morning, the first thing you see is a painting on the wall where the angel proclaims, “Be where your heart can express.”

YES!  I think the angel says it all.

nk