Words From The Warden

Greetings from sunny Florida, where Kim and I are spending twelve days. After our time here, we will travel to South Carolina before returning to Ohio around February 13. Even though we are technically on vacation, my mind and heart haven’t fully shifted into vacation mode.

During our trip, we paused near Atlanta for a couple of nights to visit friends. These friends, from Kim’s dog show community, have also become my friends over the years. They immigrated from Canada several decades ago, and Dave, in particular, has a unique perspective on American life. He joked that he has forgotten more about American government and U.S. history than most Americans ever knew, a testament to the challenging exam he faced to become a U.S. citizen.

While Kim and Dave’s wife caught up about dogs, Dave and I found ourselves discussing religion. He shared that he was raised Catholic but found little meaning in the Latin services, although he did absorb a sense of guilt from the faith. We laughed together about how each religion seems to claim it’s the only true way, dismissing all others.

Dave recounted conversations with acquaintances who believe that simply having faith in Jesus ensures a place in heaven. He challenged this idea, asking, “Even if you’re horrible and hateful?” The response he received was, “Yes.” Dave then turned to me and asked, “That can’t be enough, can it? I believe in Jesus.”

His question has been on my mind, especially in light of recent events.

Many of you know that Kim and I own and operate a painting contracting company. Our entire painting team is Latin American heritage, all of whom are here legally, and about half are American citizens. These men and women have wonderful families with school-aged children and contribute positively to our community.

On December 21, I received several anxious texts from our painters: “Henry, we cannot work because we are afraid that ICE agents will take us away.” At the time, we had about $30,000 worth of projects underway. We decided to postpone all work until the team felt safe to leave their homes, staying in touch daily to offer support. Their only request was to return to work as soon as they felt comfortable. Thankfully, we resumed work on January 5.

When I shared this story with a neighbor, she showed little empathy and asked, “Can’t they wear something on their shirts?” I replied, not pleasantly, “Like yellow stars?” Later, at a New Year’s celebration in Muskingum County, I told the story again. Our friend responded, “What are they afraid of? ICE is only rounding up criminals.” Although my neighbor no longer attends church, our Zanesville friend is very active in their Baptist congregation and is known for doing many generous and loving things for others. They showed little concern for the wellbeing of the folks in my story.

This all brings me back to the question: Is it really enough just to believe? To me, believing seems to be the easy part. The real challenge lies in following Christ and living as his hands and feet in the world. Lately, I find myself feeling afraid, angry, and disappointed by much of what I see happening around me. I am unsure how to, as Rev. Julia says, “live into my baptismal vows.” Perhaps, following Christ alone isn’t even enough. I know that following Jesus means striving to advance moral progress, reform, and justice. But trusting only in my own abilities isn’t sufficient. How do I find the strength to both believe and follow Jesus?

Recently, I came across an article titled “Why We Need to Learn to Trust the Resurrection Again.” Resurrection is God’s action. It is not about a spiritual or moral development nor people or communities behaving better. The words resonated deeply: “Resurrection faith isn’t optimism. It isn’t denial. And it isn’t the church congratulating itself. Resurrection faith is a stubborn trust that God is still acting in the world – creating life where we see only endings. In weeks like this, that kind of faith isn’t naïve. It’s resistance.”

Even though I have been wrestling with feelings of despair lately, I am choosing to place my trust in the power of the Resurrection. Rather than allowing my discouragement to consume me, I am opening myself to the possibility that God can and will work wonders, even in the midst of our struggles. I am determined to let God surprise and amaze me, believing that hope and new life can emerge where I see only endings. By holding onto this faith, I am finding the courage to move forward, trusting that God’s actions are present, even in the most challenging times.

Peace,
Henry Zaborniak, Senior Warden