A BEAUTIFULLY AWKWARD PRESENCE

by | Apr 21, 2022 | Prophetic | 2 comments

In Medford, Oregon we have an iconic statue positioned on one of the busiest streets in the city. It is not a statue of a war hero or notable historic figure. It is a 29-foot-tall crow-like bird constructed over 50 years ago to draw the attention of passersby to what was then an Army/Navy store. Over the years the Blackbird Shopping Center has expanded to become the equivalent of a guy’s toy store selling everything from hardware, sporting goods, hunting and fishing gear, and many other items. It is my go-to store when I want some solo guy time. 

The bird statue gets comically dressed in holiday attire as the seasons change or to advertise a city-wide event. It has become an endearing image to many of us. Years ago, a group of concerned citizens thought the statue detracted from a proper city image and tried to get it removed. The citizenry would have nothing to do with such a request. It now stands as part of city history. 

What makes the Black Bird statue stand out is its awkward appearance in a world that thinks a proper and shiny presence is what draws people’s attention. Some business owners spend a great deal of money to hire advertisers to brand their business with yet another overly familiar slick logo that never approaches the visibility that a 29-foot-tall statue of a bird can generate.

The statue reminds me of what an effective ministry looks like. It is positioned along the gritty streets of life where failing marriages need repair or where someone who is crashing emotionally is so broken, that they can no longer hold it together, or where a failed leader finds hope of restoration. When human need and the power of God meet it becomes a beautifully awkward image seen nowhere else on Earth.

The Church does her best work when she offers hope and restoration no matter how messy or challenging the process appears.  Some of our best work as followers of Christ happens when we no longer give a hoot about “excellence” or ministry image. Our best work happens when we just want to see people healed and made whole no matter how strange or messy that ministry might appear to those who pass by.

2 Comments

  1. Opa

    Some of our best work as followers of Christ happens when we no longer give a hoot about “excellence” or ministry image. Our best work happens when we just want to see people healed and made whole no matter how strange or messy that ministry might appear to those who pass by.

    Thank you. Very liberating and encouraging. My job takes me mainly outside the four walls of the church building were people swear, drink, are broke, struggle and are broken.probably amongst people who will never attend church, so a word like this is very encouraging.

    Reply
  2. John Anderson II

    Much of my work is with and among those who are healthy, sober, educated, and in stable relationships. They are not seeking relief from oppression, depression, addiction or other maladies. Instead, like Solomon declared “God has put eternity in men’s heart, so that they cannot see the end from the beginning.” – they seek purpose, legacy, and fulfillment.

    This is a lot like Paul’s mission where Jesus declared “I will send you before Kings.”

    May we all find fulfillment in the certainty of God’s assignment for a life to be well-lived. May our testimony be like David’s “He served the purpose of God in his generation, the nwas gathered to his fathers.”

    Reply

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