#GrowingUpAppalachian : Part 1

An Appalachian Childhood: Part 1 of a Series on #AnAppalachianLife

By: Sarah Elizabeth McCarren 

                         Me on a hike in Western North Carolina, a part of #Appalachia that formed me into the woman I am today. Photo by Brian 

 I read a wonderful essay on #GrowingUpAppalachian that has me thinking about the fact that I AM Appalachian. the old rocks and the rich soil are part of my DNA. While I am totally HOME here in Pensacola, Florida, I cannot ignore my Appalachian roots. 

 Let me first share a quote from the author-- a young woman from Kentucky who grew up in very similar circumstances as I did in Rural Greater Pittsburgh. 

 Whitney Allen, a native of Eastern Kentucky says this about growing up in some of the world's oldest highlands: 

    "Culturally speaking, Appalachia is extremely rich. As a community that is poor — monetarily speaking — we have learned to find the wealth in our land and our surroundings. Appalachian culture is marked by strong, pragmatic Christian views, close relationships with family members, and far too often by the belief that those who grow up in the area have backwards beliefs and mentalities. For me, I believe that it has allowed me to appreciate the positive and to grow beyond the negative by being exposed to all different types of individuals throughout my short life. I will take the lessons that I have learned growing up in the mountains through my life and will use them to help educate others on our culture and to promote tolerance in our community for cultures different from our own."**

Let me address the stereotypes I run up against when folks discover my Appalachian roots.

 While poverty exists-- I witnesses some of this in my own rural public-school experience-- but not all Appalachians grow up in shacks in the " hollers" with no running water. Poverty is a problem in these United States that transcends regions. Yet due in part to the works of JD Vance { Ew, don't get me started on what I think of him!} the trope surrounding my home region is that of the " dirt-poor hillbilly"

For instance, my brother and I grew up in a comfortable, middle-class, two-parent home.  Dad is an Army veteran with some college education who successfully managed a retail store until economics forced the store to close. Mom is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University {GO NITTANY LIONS!} My brother and I went to poorly funded public schools, and we both are adults that are always learning. 

Growing up, most of our peers went to church on Sunday. However, growing up in an interfaith home {Dad was raised Irish-Catholic and Mom Jewish} church was not part of our childhood. Sometimes this made me feel awkward, but as an adult I am grateful that my interfaith upbringing {and eventual baptism into Christianity at the age of 20} gives me a unique perspective on religion in general and my own Christian walk in particular. 

Like nearly every child who grew up in Appalachia: I loved playing freely in the woods around our neighborhood. Our neighborhood had groups of children who --in the good weather months--were outside from morning until dusk. I'm still in contact with most of these " kids" now. Some still live where I grew up, others-- like myself-- moved far away. yet the bond of an incredible safe ' free-range' childhood unites us. 

My Dad is one of six children, and I remember Sunday suppers at my paternal grandparents' house. Since our family unit lived the farthest away, we would only drive to Sunday Supper once monthly.  Additionally, in the summer months our aunts and uncles would spoil us with attention. I was nearly ten years old before the first of the McCarren cousins came along and I was thrilled to finally have a cousin. My teen years were spent with other cousins arriving. It was-- and still is-- a joy to be the senior member of that generation of this branch of the McCarren family tree. 

To be honest, living in Florida means that I missed really having that quality time with my cousins. But that solid sense of family allows for me to build my own clan here. 

I grew up just as the steel and coal industry of Greater Pittsburgh was drawing to an end.  While some of Greater Pittsburgh Appalachia has grown beyond steel and coal, other communities suffer from lack of well-paying jobs. To a certain extent the discovery of natural gas in the seams of those old ridges has given the area an economic boost. 

Pittsburgh's entrance into the medical and medical research fields have attracted talent to the area. Yet each time I return I sense deep within my soul that my part of Appalachia struggles economically. The population of the small towns near where I grew up have declined in the nearly 23 years since I've left. 

In spite of all the struggles, my Appalachian childhood was wonderful. The people I know and love who live there are hardworking, kind, community-oriented people. 

I am-- an always will be- a child of Appalachia. 

 ** Allen, Whitney What Its Really Like to Grow Up Appalachian      Thought Catalog June 19 2015

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Debt Forgiveness

 

                                    High Altar at St John's Catholic Cathedral in Savannah, Georgia. Photo by The Pensacola Hippie 

 The news regarding college loan forgiveness has sparked A LOT of chatter on social media {and I imagine among people in real time} People on both sides of this issue share their feelings openly on social media. To be honest, I do not need one more divisive topic in my life right now. People on both sides will double down and refuse to listen to each other. 

 I'm blessed that I do not have any outstanding school loans. However, anyone who has known me or has followed me on social media will know my views on this topic {hint, my views are based on Jesus of Nazareth's teachings in the Gospels} 

I do not wish to further divide my dear readers by tacking school loan debt relief.  Rather, I want to look at what Jesus says about debt forgiveness and what the word " debt" might have meant in His time. We modern American capitalists define the word " debt' as money owed to another, but perhaps Our LORD might have used another word that got translated into " debt". 

Let us take a look at how Luke tells the story of Jesus showing the disciples how to pray. 

    " ... give us each day our daily bread

          and forgive us our SINS , as we forgive those who SIN against us...

        for we forgive everyone INDEPTED to us..." {Luke 11:3-4 NRSV}

According to my source, The Jewish New Testement: New Revised Stanndard Version, the Aramaic word " hav" can be translated to either " sin" or " debt".  In rabbinic literature, sins were considered debts against God. 

Hmm.  Sin= debt against God. 

Christ, by His death and resurrection, paid this sin-debt. 

If we Christ-followers in the 21st century return to the original language of the text and see it as perhaps the original hearers would have understood Jesus' teachings about sin, and what forgiveness we are to pray for, we might understand that our modern sensibilities cloud the Scripture. 

Our economic system gives us a lens that sees "debt" as only money {or other forms of payment owed for goods or services. Given our capitalistic sensibilities, it is natural that we think as debt as some payment one owes another. 

If we look at Jesus' definition of " dept" as a debt of sin to God-- a debt that everyone owes, then perhaps the conversation can be less about money and more about forgiving each other from sins that we all commit daily. 

The prayer that Christ teaches goes on to say 

"  for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. 

And do not bring us to the time of trial...

Maybe the lesson surrounding the college loan forgiveness discussions can take on a more big-picture view now and in the future.  ow can we collectively forgive ourselves and others for the debt of sin that we make each other carry for a long time?

In the Name of the Holy Three...

Amen. 

Sarah McCarren

8/25/22

After a medical emergency....

                                           Brian and I spent some " sabbatical" time this summer hiking the Western North Carolina mountains Photo by Brian. 

Back in April, when I was prepping for a routine procedure, I suffered a medical emergency that could have killed me. My blood pressure shot down to 55/35 {yup, according to the doctors who saved my life by pumping my IV full of endenephrin}Had I gone into full cardiac arrest {which somehow, I did not since my heart was still working, scarily slowly, but working nonetheless}, I most likely would not have survived. 

Long story short: I am blessed to be among the living. I recall vividly some weirdly comforting phenomena that occurred when I was " coding" , but since so few people will believe me, I'm not going to delve into that experience. Ask me in private & I might share. 

I've spent this summer prayerfully re-evaluating a lot of things. After all: I was given a second chance at living as my Creator intends for me to live. 

I've made some changes. For instance: I will no longer be silent on issues of justice in order to maintain the comfort level of acquaintances. We are going into what will probably be another ugly election season, and I cannot remain both silent and live authentically. I promise to not bring partisanship into my discourse, but I shall speak up for the oppressed, the poor and others who exist on the fringe of society. 

I plan to turn some tables and am ready for the consequences.  Already I was unfriended, blocked on social media, and ghosted by someone I love over my stance on reproductive rights and body autonomy for all persons. 

As I've stated before, I can be polite and welcome conversations about touchy subjects-- just as long as those subjects DO NOT include stripping away rights of others and/or taking away their autonomy. Concerning these topics, I cannot and will not waver. 

Namaste...

Sarah McCarren 

8/24/22

#Becoming More " Myself"

 

                                     Quote that has guided me through these past few months. 

One thing which I wanted to pray and work on is my " what next". I turned 46 in May, after a scary medical emergency in April-- one that shook me enough that I sought guidance from my priest. Her advice was to look at the summer months as a " sabbatical" of sorts {unlike her, I could not take an actual sabbatical} but I did lessen my obligations to what was absolutely necessary and took on NO NEW PROJECTS from May - August. 

It was a wonderful experience. I used the down time to pray, journal, and discuss what it means for me to serve God going forward in my second half of life.  I took time to listen to the Spirit and observe my own reactions to living with less busy-ness. 

 My medical emergency changed me by making me realize that I am at a literal mid-life. If I am fortunate, I'll live to age 90-ish. Math shows me that I am halfway there. 

 I cannot afford to waste time. 

 Spending this time in a more relaxed, less busy mode made me understand that my soul craves things that had been missing. 

 For instance: Music. I'd sang in groups for most of my life and just as I was thinking I'd like to get back into choral singing again, COVID struck. 

 Friends, I am happy to say that I'm back singing with the Pensacola Gulf Coast Chorale. We have our " boot camp" on Saturday {lunch, getting to know each other, and running through the music for the Fall Concert} I feel JOY!  I am also singing in the parish choir {as my schedule allows} and again, I feel JOY! I'd sang with the Chorale years ago and it was some of the best musical experiences I've had in my life. 

This is the same joy that I feel when I meet with my Daughters of the King chapter {DOK Is an order for women in The Episcopal Church & denominations in communion with us} I'd felt led to be a " DOK" for years but had not an opportunity for study & discernment until this spring.  I am looking forward to further work of prayer, service & evangelism {that " E" word} with my chapter and Diocese-wide assembly. 

Adding new ways of service means that I'll bid farewell to other activities. For instance, I'm hanging up my mentor 's hat at the local elementary school. There are only so many hours in a day, and so many days in each week. My reasons for arriving at this decision are personal. There are other activities that must be put away, and it is my hope that people understand that I need to match my soul's desire with a need in the community. 

Mae West said " You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough. " 

 Shalom...

Sarah McCarren 

August 17, 2022

What I learned from my own summer " sabbath time"

 

                                            Me with my rector at Beckwith November 2019. I love this photo of us: we are both dressed comfortably and enjoying the company of each other & our other parishioners at a Parish Retreat weekend. She returns from her three-month sabbatical this week-- and her first Sunday back with us in next week, August 7 . 

It has been an unusual summer at my parish. 

 You see, our rector {head priest} was gone on a three-month sabbatical from May 1 until tomorrow, August 1. Her first Sunday back with the parish will be August 7 {next week!} and I am so stoked to be able to welcome her home and exchange one of those famous HUGS with her. I know to let her take this month to ease back into " re-entry" after her time away from us {even before + George instructed the congregation to do so} but I'd be lying if I said I did not miss her this summer. 

 I missed Susan+, but I had years of her wisdom to lean into during her time away. There were several times this summer when I recalled some advice, a story, or an admonishment that Susan+ had given me during the many years we've known each other. I leaned into the wisdom she already gifted to me & it served me well. I know a person has really positively influenced my life when I can draw on her wisdom without a need to talk with her. 

 In spite of not having our leader, we at my parish managed to thrive during this time. New ministries began while current ones took a summer break. I'm grateful to be part of such a heathy, Spirit-led group of Jesus-followers. 

 I also took up the challenge to take my own " sabbath" this summer. From May until now, I intentionally stepped away from church & civic responsibilities. It was hard, but I stayed true to my sabbath time and did not volunteer for any political campaigns, nor work with the ReadyKids {the people who run the Reading Pals at the local elementary schools} 

To be honest, the ongoing threat of COVID infection made saying " no thanks" to a lot of opportunities this summer easier. 

 This summer I took up the practice of journalling, and even purposely stayed away from news & social media for an allotted amount of time in order to be fully present with my extended family. My extended family & I made some beautiful memories, both in western North Carolina & in Northwest Florida.

  It was nice to be fully present with those with whom I was with on any given day & time rather worrying about documenting & posting tons of photos to Facebook & Insta. I've learned to be much more mindful of my use of social media- and the breaks showed me the joy of just being in the moment. Americans have trouble with "BE-ing" For many of us, we are mistaken that everything must have an endgame. 

  

Brian & I also spent a lot of time together enjoying our hometown and its surroundings. We spent Saturday mornings walking downtown, sometimes picking up fresh produce {or homemade soap} from local vendors. Our salt & sea air immersion occurred on weekday mornings when most people were at work. I read & wrote in my journal when Brian completed crossword puzzles or fished. 

 

 Children's Christian Ed took its annual summer break, and I used this time to discern that I really need to be in the parish choir. After four wonderful years as a Godly Play storyteller, my heart tells me it is time to pursue choir-- a ministry that is part of my soul. I'll miss sharing stories with the children, but I know that both my own needs & the needs of our parish choir meet. Long story short: I'm going back into Sunday School Retirement. There are many reasons why I felt like I needed to discern leaving children's ministry-- one of which is that I always wanted to sing under a talented church musician, and now I will have that chance.

 I look forward to what the program year will be for my parish, our Rector, and myself. I know I am blessed to be in this place & among these incredible Christ-carriers. 

Amen

Sarah McCarren 

31 July 2022 

On " Philadelphia 11" Day 2022

                    Me , with my parish's curate {new associate priest} on Easter Sunday

Today is the anniversary of the ordination of The Philadelphia 11: the first women to be ordained as priests in The Episcopal Church. I often wonder why this day is not on our calendar as a feast day, but I'm just a parishioner in Pensacola, Florida. 

  Anyway, I am grateful for the sacrifice, persistence and bravery of these women. Without them and their willingness to bravely be pioneers, the two priests I have in my life would not be able to live out each woman's calling. While I know many fine clergy who are men, the validity of their ordinations has never been questioned. Men have been leading Christian communities as clergy since the beginning of organized Christian communities. 

 Like with many human institutions, the Church was-- and in some ways still is ruled by the patriarchy.  We've made big strides since 11 brave women walked into that church to be " irregularly" ordained.  Yet  I cannot help but remember that some people-- some Christians-- are working fervently to turn back the clock regarding equality for all genders.  After watching the nation's highest court sweep body autonomy away from half the nation's population, I cannot help but wait for the next shoe to drop. It is a scary time to be a woman in America-- but I am encouraged by the bravery of my foremothers in faith. I am also encouraged by the women I know here-- both lay and ordained-- for stepping up and bravely doing work in Christ's Name. 

 My prayer is that I -- in whatever way I am needed-- can be brave enough to step out on the correct side of history.  I'm proud that God created me as a woman-- and know that The Divine One still has plans for my second half of life on earth. 

 Thank you, Adonai, for showing the Philadelphia 11 the way to break barriers so that other women wo are so called may pursue ordination. Also, I give thanks to all my sisters and mothers-in-Christ who are willing to be brave enough to do hard work in Your Son's name. Amen. 

Sarah McCarren 

29 July 2022

Both/And

                                                     Mile High Bridge. Grandfather Mountain NC

Today's sermon is something that I needed to hear. I'm grateful for + George, who is helping our curate {assistant priest} with preaching and pastoral duties while our rector {head priest} is on sabbatical this summer. 

Today's Gospel lesson is a familiar story, when Jesus visits His friends Mary and Martha of Bethany. It is a familiar story, one sister is acting as the good Jewish housewife, busy making sure ALL the food is prepared and the table set with the best tableware. Her sister, on the other hand, spends time listening intently to their guest as He shares wisdom.

 Two sisters show us two opposite ways of being with Jesus. 

  Is one way REALLY " better" than the other? Perhaps each sister in this story argued with each other over Mary's lack of help in the kitchen versus Martha's constant busy-ness that kept her away from enjoying their guest's company. 

 Who has the " better way"?  This is an ages-old question which Christians banter around for centuries. 

  As +George pondered: maybe the Christian life is not either/or {Mary or Martha} but both/and { Martha and Mary as equally important in our walk with God through Christ. 

 This story shows the " both/and nature of following Jesus. As Christians, we are called to contemplation and action. We are asked to spend time in worship, prayer, study and fellowship with our faith communities.  

 However, life in Christ also demands that we move out of our safe zones in order to serve others who may never enter our pretty red doors. A healthy Christian community {which mine is-- thanks be to God} does well. 

 Living according to this dichotomy is not easy. od calls us to love people as God loves each of us. We are called to love those whose life closely resembles ours. But we are also called to love those whose politics, religion, or lifestyle greatly differs with our own. We are called to love people -- even those who reject us due to differing political or moral views. This is A TALL ORDER for sure-- especially when our beloveds choose to withhold love from us. 

We are called to love. Full stop. 

Jesus knows how hurtful family and friends can be when it comes to following The Way of Love versus The Way of The World. The World says, Retaliate.  Love bids us to shake the proverbial {or literal if you live in Florida} dust from our sandals and move on. 

 We're called to love, and we are also called to be agents of social change. Look at the public ministry of Jesus: His life's work was not about making people comfortable with the status quo. Yet He acted out of a place of Love, a Love that only The Creator of the Universe can give. 

Being a Christian means constantly living within a " both/and". 

Thanks, be to Adonai. 

Amen. 

Sarah McCarren

17 July 2022