(Terry Arnold, Sunday, January 19, 2025)
Happy Sunday, everyone! I’d like to share an incredible experience I had recently that was both exciting and meaningful. It all began back in October when I gave a series of talks for a group called Cross Creek West, the same group that hosted a fun run for us. After one of those talks, a woman approached me with an unexpected invitation: she asked if I’d be willing to speak at her church retreat.
This was a new opportunity for me. While I’ve spoken at churches and women’s groups before, I’d never been invited to deliver a talk at a retreat. The retreat was for the hospitality team, which intrigued me. What could I, someone who often speaks about personal challenges like cancer, share with a hospitality team?
Understanding Hospitality in a Deeper Way
As a native Houstonian, the word “hospitality” immediately brings to mind our city’s renowned restaurants, hotels, and the prestigious hospitality college at the University of Houston. Typically, we associate hospitality with venues, food, and excellent service. But in a church or spiritual setting, hospitality takes on a much deeper meaning.
Hospitality isn’t just about opening doors or welcoming people into a space. It’s about meeting others where they are, serving their needs, and embodying the compassion and kindness of Christ. This type of service goes beyond surface-level niceties; it’s about extending care without judgment and truly being the hands and feet of Christ to others.
Weaving Personal Stories into the Message
To prepare for the retreat, I adapted my usual talk about my cancer journey, weaving it with the theme of hospitality. I shared stories of times when people showed me extraordinary kindness and support during my illness, as well as moments when hospitality fell short. These stories illustrated not only the power of compassion but also highlighted areas where we can do better as humans supporting each other.
One area I focused on was the collateral damage that illness can have on families. This is often overlooked, but churches and faith communities are uniquely positioned to step in and provide much-needed support for families facing challenging times. By acknowledging these struggles, we can cultivate a more inclusive and understanding community.
A Memorable Experience
The response to my talk was overwhelmingly positive, and I left the retreat feeling energized and grateful. It was a privilege to speak to such a receptive and kind group, and the experience reminded me of the joy of connecting with others in person.
I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Trish for inviting me to speak at St. Fina’s in Fre, Texas. Your hospitality and warmth made the experience unforgettable. If you or your group would like me to share a similar message, I’d be honored to do so—I can even provide references if needed.
As we embrace this Sunday, let’s remember the true meaning of hospitality: meeting others with love, compassion, and a willingness to serve without judgment. Wishing you peace and a blessed week ahead!