Lay It Down

On Sunday, our guest preacher Larry Doves, talked about the “hits” we receive in life. He shared his own story of being hit by the experiences of segregation and racism. Larry used the analogy that hits are like bricks that we carry around in a suitcase, which is a symbol of our souls. 

Larry felt the deep wear and tear on his soul from carrying around his brick-filled suitcase. For Larry, it wasn’t until he encountered Jesus where he experienced relief. He found that Jesus’ message was not one of segregation, discirmination, white supremacy, and racism, but one of freedom and liberation. 

“For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 

For Larry, Jesus taught him to lay down the bricks. To make a way. To surrender. His suitcase became a lot lighter. He experienced liberation. 

Larry beautifully invited us all into the process of laying down our bricks and finding healing, rest, and liberation. While Larry’s message offered relief and hope, it was not one that mitigated or bypassed the pains of suffering. For many of us, even looking at our bricks feels too painful. Breathe. This week can you keep moving closer to rhythms of surrender, healing, and freedom. 

Take time today to sit with these questions. What bricks are you carrying? Are you weary and worn out? What does surrender and healing begin to look like for you? Lay it down.