Thread by @KatinOxford

I once told you all that I didn’t understand Communion. Like I’d studied it, I understood the context (impossible not to when you attend a Lutheran school for ten years) but I never really GOT it. Not in my body and bones.

I think I’m ready to tell you something.

When I attended RHE’s funeral, I was in despair. I wasn’t really sure if I wanted to do this whole God thing anymore.

The funeral was more powerful than words can express. Stories, Scripture, music...Rachel was all around us.

And we partook in Holy Communion. I remember standing up, feeling my heart weigh so deeply in my chest it was hard to breathe. I don’t know why I stood to take Communion. But I went up there and I looked on the congregation, crying, still, mourning, despairing.

I approached @Sarcasticluther and she looked me right in the eyes as I took the bread, God’s body.

“You are a beloved child of God.”

And I burst into tears right there.

Communion was the taste of wine & bread in my mouth as I sobbed. Communion was how I almost crumpled right there in the aisle, but @osheta hugged me, affirmed me, loved me.

Communion was sitting in the pew and @JenniferNeyhart and @RTVox putting their arms around me.

Christ’s body and blood. The Church grieving together, holding each other, offering our pain to God to make holy.

I finally got Communion.