The Church

I’m transcribing a video for work about craftsmen and women, those who blow glass, make jewelry, baskets. I am moved by one woman’s story in particular, about her husband whom she collaborated with for 20 years.

He had a stroke one day, out of nowhere, and his wife was unsure if he could continue crafting. He could–but not without the support of the artist community.

Other artists (people they hadn’t met before!) visited them in the hospital, bringing gifts and cards. An artists’ foundation gave them money to help the couple continue their work.

This story moves me because I see this as the image of the church–caring and loving its body, providing financial support and food.

Part of me is sad, though, because this wasn’t the church, but an artist community. The church has to learn and follow the example of another instead of being the example.