1 John 4:16 – “God is love. Whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in them.
Yesterday morning, before church, I got out of my car and realized my keys were inside. I knew as soon as I closed the door.
My first thought: (Insert frustation here.
I shrugged my shoulders, and I went inside for the pre-service meeting since I was leading the Call to Worship at the beginning of the worship service. After the meeting, I went into sanctuary, left my coat and purse on a chair to do soundcheck. Then I focused on praying, centering myself preparing for the call to worship, and then led the call to worship — reminding us of the abundance of love and that it’s a love thing.
After the call to worship, I stepped out to figure out roadside assistance — only to realize my renewal to a roadside service had lapsed. Some brothers came over to help and began to find ways to open up the car. As they worked, Brother John Jones , who happens to be my insurance agent, reminded me, “Rev Sheila, your auto insurance policy includes roadside service, you’re already covered.” God had already lifted and covered me before I even knew I needed it. He helped make the call and the locksmith was on the way.
There was more: I had left my jacket and purse in the sanctuary. Friends nearby texted back: “I got you. You’re covered.”
Even as all this was happening , the service continued.(I was still watching online) Families in the sanctuary were being blessed — single mothers receiving gifts for their children, we shared about the Christmas blessing and giveaway the day before that blessed hundreds of families leaving with food, shoes, and toys. Love was covering them at the very same time. My pastor preached about “The Most Important Thing At Christmas” - love. I watched from the office and was reminded— God’s love was at work in so many ways, simultaneously.
As the locksmith arrived shortly after service ended, my nephew came out to make sure I was safe. Deacon Deborah and I were scheduled to do visitations, I did not want her to lose time waiting for me. She waited nearby in her car saying “I’m watching you.” and she would wait until everything was all right. After the locksmith did the work we were able to do our visitations and serve with Love..
Sister Rachelle and Sister Kellee said, “This experience Sounds like a meditation — or someone’s going to write something coming out of this.” And they were right. Those Hardiman Sisters are always on it.
At every step, at every moment, I realized: I was not alone. God was at work. Love was lifting and covering.
My lessons:
1. Love covers us in unexpected ways
God showed up in the car, in the friends, in the insurance coverage — even before I knew I needed it.
2. Love works through people.
Friends texting, the brothers offering help, and even Deacon Deborah staying nearby — God’s love often comes through others.
3. Love is simultaneous.
While I was navigating my situation, God was blessing families in the service. Love is always at work — in your life and in the lives of others.
4. Love lifts and sustains us.
In 2025, through transitions, sickness, and unexpected plans, God’s love has been our steady covering, lifting us above the weight of challenges.
5. Love calls us to notice and reflect.
Advent reminds us to watch, to see, and to be grateful for the ways God’s love arrives — sometimes quietly, sometimes dramatically, always faithfully.
Remember: Love lifts. Love covers