I Was a Stranger Quotes

“Postscript 2: My cancer friend passed away in April 2020. My alcoholic friend is probably going to die from the disease in due course. While my prayers seemed to temporarily help both situations, there remains this struggle with how, why and if prayer works. If prayers are not answered the way we wish, does it mean God doesn’t hear or care? Does it mean nothing changed? Does it mean we failed? Does it even mean anything? This subject has been thoroughly examined by many others and still cannot be fully answered. I happen to believe prayers help, even if things don’t go my way. We still die, we still fail, we still have suffering, pain and evil in this world. Yet, I choose to keep praying anyway. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1. October 6, 2019 Salt packets.”
― Susan I. Spieth, I Was a Stranger: Reflections From First-Time Visits to 50 Churches

“The sermon followed and it had to be the best sermon I’ve heard in a long time. It was probably less than ten minutes long, but he packed a punch. The Gospel lesson from Luke 7:1, 7-14, tells when Jesus went to a Pharisee’s house for a sabbath meal. When he noticed the guests jockeying for the best seat, Jesus admonished them, saying they should choose the lowest seat. By choosing the lowest, Jesus said, the Host may elevate and honor us. But if we choose the highest place, the Host may replace us with someone more worthy, and we will be shamed or embarrassed at the very least. This pastor artfully elaborated and articulated on this message. Then, toward the end of his sermon, he took the meaning one step further. He said that the lowest place of all is death. And every one of us, without exception, will one day sit at the lowest seat of death. The pastor said this scripture reminds us that in that day, when we sit in the seat of death, our Host will say to us, “Friend, what are you doing down there? Come on up here and sit next to me.” I can tell you that his interpretation had a deeply moving effect on the congregation, myself included.”
― Susan I. Spieth, I Was a Stranger: Reflections From First-Time Visits to 50 Churches

“Worship is a verb. It should be active, engaging and it should ask me for something—an offering, an affirmation of faith, a response, my singing, my heart, my mind—anything that challenges me toward more faith, more love, more grace.”
― Susan I. Spieth, I Was a Stranger: Reflections From First-Time Visits to 50 Churches

“Call me old fashioned, but I always think it's important to read scripture from the Bible. Actually, holding the Bible. I think something is lost when the reader holds a piece of paper, or an iPad. It may be more convenient, but it’s important for people to see a real Bible. Even better, the scripture reader should ask everyone to open their pew Bibles and read along. It helps instill a familiarity with the scriptures, and it's just a good practice to do week after week, year after year.”
― Susan I. Spieth, I Was a Stranger: Reflections From First-Time Visits to 50 Churches