Fear of the new

General Assembly this year was an amazing and extraordinary experience. This was my first time in Indianapolis and to an Assembly and it was far better than I would have ever imagined. Having the different speakers talk about a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world really made an impression on me. I was so surprised to see more than 6,000 people of various backgrounds, most were complete strangers, come together to worship and strengthen their faith.

For those of you who haven't had the privilege to go to General Assembly, I highly recommend it. I felt so fulfilled, enriched, and enlightened afterward. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I can't wait to go again!

One of the most memorable events at General Assembly was when General Minister and President Sharon E. Watkins spoke about the circle of caring. She challenged us Disciples to extend a circle of care to all of God's children.

"It is in the vision of wholeness that we bring, by the grace of God into this fragmented world ,a vision that takes us out of the prison of ourselves and widens into a global circle of care." Watkins said.

I sat and thought about this for a while. All at once a sense of calmness came over me, and it all became clear. It made perfect sense. We are all imprisoned and held back in different ways. I didn't even realize how much I was imprisoned until she quoted Einstein: "A human being is part of the whole called by us universe... We experience ourselves ... as something separate from the rest. A kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us ... to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from the prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty . . .," which is completely true!

Even when we say we are going to try something new, we stay close to our comfort zone. I tend to do that. Everyone does, whether they know it or not. We all need to go a little outside our comfort zones to help out others who are different from us and embrace all of God's children. We are all one big family created in the image of God.

During General Assembly I was an usher. It was completely out of my comfort zone. I mean, come on, it was my first time ever at General Assembly and being an usher. I was scared to death!! Everything was strange and new to me. Afterward, I realized how rewarding it was and how it changed me into a more relaxed, outgoing person. Ushering gave me the opportunity to meet and chat with so many Disciples from completely different backgrounds than me, which I wouldn't have been able to accomplish otherwise.

Trying something new is always risky, but with God by your side you will be fine. He will guide you through. I plan on continuing the circle of caring. What about you?