May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Ephesians 3:19-20
I believe I mentioned before that Tarboro, in a classic example of the self-assurance that permeates the social climate here, is often described by natives as “The crossroads of Western Civilization.”
There is a sense, of course, in which the phrase is “tongue in cheek;” but it also reflects the confidence this town has in itself, along with its charm and dignity and unquestionable class.
Then, very much apropos this week, there is the evidence. These past few days we have been saturated with culture. Here is a partial list:
- Sunday evening’s remarkable Service of Lessons and Carols at Calvary Episcopal Church (Soaked with Rain, Baptized with Grace).
- Monday evening’s dramatic reading of Truman Capote’s holiday classic, A Christmas Memory. Wine and cheese and literature.
- Thursday evening’s concert at Edgecombe Community College with the North Carolina Symphony.
The Symphony orchestra absolutely brought their A-game. And the venue – the beautiful Keihin Auditorium – was worthy of any world-class orchestra in any richly endowed performing arts center in any major city in the world.
(Note: photography was not allowed during the performance. This image was taken during the introductions)
So, once again, mega-kudos to Tarboro for its elegance, grace, style, elan and savoir faire; in a word, panache.
The symphony’s associate conductor Michelle Di Russo had the baton for the evening. She is a tour de force on the podium, bringing a unique energy and rich interpretations to the “Holiday Pops” program.
She reminded me of an inspiration I shared in my 2020 post, “God is in the possibility awakening business“. I quoted conductor Benjamin Zander, who said, “My job is to awaken possibility in other people.”
Michelle Di Russo absolutely has this principle working for her.
So, yes, Rebekah and I find ourselves inspired just by being here. But now for my main point, words directed not just at the good folk of Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church but to the entire community here in Tarboro.
Be mindful that God seeks to awaken possibility far beyond what we could hope or imagine. The rich heritage we enjoy in this church and this town is inspirational, and the reputation for panache is well earned. But we must always keep in mind that Jesus intends to use us beyond our self confidence and our history; Jesus intends to fill us up to “all the fullness of God; because God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine….”
In love and in anticipation – DEREK
