Watch Care
Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
COLOSSIANS 4:6
My children started attending church before they were born. They were unaware of the countless prayers offered on their behalf, and unaware of their consistent immersion in an environment of praise and worship. After they were born, their sleep was consistently interrupted by the spirit-filled word of God. They were startled awake by impassioned songs of praise, rhythmic drum beats, countless hands clapping, all accompanied by a melodic organ. It didn’t take long for my babies to adapt and begin babbling along to the music and clapping their tiny hands. A short time later, they attended Sunday School, they sung in the children’s choir, participated in church youth activities, and teen activities. Then suddenly, it seemed, they were preparing to go away for college. From conception to graduation, we infused spiritual principles into every facet of their growth and development.
Prior to leaving for college, we searched online for a church close to the campus, but couldn’t find one that looked like the right fit. After getting our daughter settled in, we went to Walmart for a few items to make her space more comfortable. While shopping, I noticed a woman who, through my spiritual lens, appeared to be a church lady. Discreetly, I watched and followed her, then introduced myself, telling her I was searching for a church my daughter could attend while in college. She smiled and shared information about two churches; one with a large congregation attended by most college students in the area, the other a small intimate congregation. At the close of our conversation, I watched her disappear into the crowd of shoppers, grateful that we crossed paths.
The next day, Sunday, my daughter and I visited the small church and were welcomed with warm smiles and open arms. A few of the women exchanged contact information with us and offered to assist my daughter as needed. She was placed under Watch Care; a service provided to watch over college students or individuals who are temporarily unable to attend the church where they hold membership. When we left the church, I was confident my daughter would be in good spiritual hands after I returned home.
The next two Sundays, my daughter attended the small church and enjoyed the service. She returned the third Sunday, and while participating in worship, an older woman leaned over the pew and tugged at the hem of her skirt. When she turned around, the woman wore a frown and said, you know better. The woman could have reached over the pew and greeted her with a hug. She could have chosen words of encouragement, instead, she chose words certain to offend. She judged the condition of her heart based on her hemline. The woman allowed the fabric to distract her and she missed an opportunity to encourage a young woman who was seeking to maintain a relationship with Christ. My daughter left the church after service and never returned. She didn’t remember the sermon that day, but she remembered the unkind spirit the woman behind her possessed.
God was watching over her and He opened another door. The following Sunday, she went to the larger church across town and attended faithfully. She was undeterred by the behavior of one to keep her from pursuing a relationship with Christ. It’s imperative that we season our words with grace, love, and kindness.
Grace & Peace,
Teretha