Page 78 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2019- Online Magazine

HONORING SENIORS

Morsels of

GRACE

by Rev. Kara Leslie

She sups on the moistened morsel of bread, speaks know it seems strange, but what we just did makes all
ancient words, and feels a closeness to Jesus that I the hurt and pain of my past go away.” She moves her
can only describe as a mystery. She is a beautiful hands and brushes her body as if she is being washed
spirit longing for justice for past wrongs, healing for over with grace. Oh, what I would give to have every
brokenness that hurts deeply, and a peace that will one of my patients feel this way. Oh, what God has
soak into her being, making the most of her last years. already done to have all of us feel that grace every day.

For the longest time, she has been in a “desert”, with
her spirit completely parched. It is much like the small Rev. Kara Leslie is an Episcopal priest
town of around 400 where she lives, surrounded by who runs her own private counseling
tumbleweeds and boarded-up businesses. She lives practice.
in a small home, riding her wheelchair from room to
room. Her cats are her best friends, and together with
them, she makes the most of every day.
On our first visit, she shows me pictures of her father
and his ordination to the priesthood in the Episcopal
Church. She has fond memories of the churches he
served and being a “preacher’s kid.” Over the years,
things went awry, and they grew apart, not only in
distance, but more importantly, emotionally. There
were things done and left undone that caused her
soul to be covered in shame, so much so that she quit
talking with him completely. It was a true desert.

She mentions she would like Holy Communion on
our next visit. So, I bring my communion kit and my
Book of Common Prayer. I prepare the table, and the
cats circle round, curious about what is happening.
The words on the page sound familiar to her as I begin
the liturgy. As she speaks them from an ancient part
of her soul, they take her back to a time when life was
good … when she was close and safe with her daddy;
when her body was her friend; when she was able to
work and participate in society. Then ever so gently,
I take the moistened morsel and place it in her mouth.
She seems to hold her breath and pause as the peace of
Christ feeds her. I wait in silence with her. It has been
over 50 years since she has spoken these words and
received the bread and cup. More silence is needed.
Then she raises her eyes, looks at me and says, “I

78 Lubbock Senior Link