How Big is Our God?

Sunday, May 24, 2026 - Pentecost

Siobhan Boyd-Nelson

LGBTQIA+ Person of Faith

LOVEboldly Board Chair

Quote

“Pentecost is about being empowered to get beyond the strictures created by these silos and find our way to one another beyond race, gender, empire, or nationality. It is about moving to a place where we can see the entire family of God as one family.”

~Bishop Yvette Flunder

Devotion

How big is our God? Most of us would say that our God is enormous, infinite, or a size beyond our imagining. And we would be right. Our God is, in a word, huge. And if our God is infinite, so too must be His love, His grace, and His kin(g)dom. But what do our actions and behaviors say about the size of our God? Do we behave like a people who know that their God is so big, He can love them and their enemy? Do we act like people who know that their God can feed the hungry in this country and every other? Or do we shrink God to reflect the limits of our own grace, love, and mercy?

On the original day of Pentecost in Acts 2, we see barriers that typically keep people apart––language, culture, religion––falling under the power of the Holy Spirit. In fact, the gift of the Holy Spirit was a promise “for all whom the Lord our God will call.” No limitations, restrictions, terms, or conditions. All means all, and our God is big enough to deliver on that promise.

On this day of Pentecost, may we remember that our God is not small or narrow. Let us acknowledge that our God is BIG––bigger than our fears and our differences, our worries, and our scarcity mindset. The love and grace He pours out on us is abundant and unceasing. May we be empowered by that outpouring to invite ALL to God’s table because the table is indeed big enough for all of us.

Reflection

1.    How big do you allow God to be in your life?

2.    How do your actions evidence a belief in a big or small God?

Action

The next time you find yourself at odds with someone or unable to see beyond a personal barrier, pray this prayer: Infinite God, allow my words and actions to reflect your infinite love and grace, and not my own. Amen.

Opposition Testimony to SB113

Monday, May 19, 2026

Today, May 19, 2026, the Ohio Senate Education Committee is hearing opponent testimony to Senate Bill 113, which would prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in Ohio public schools.

Given the conduct of the committee's chair in other hearings, LOVEboldly is joining Honesty for Ohio Education, Trans Allies of Ohio, Right to Read Ohio, Columbus Education Justice Coalition, and other organizations in submitting the following statement as written testimony to this harmful bill.

“Given the Chair’s propensity to use public testimony as an opportunity to perpetuate views that are rooted in implicit bias and systemic racism, and his resistance to considering facts and data in decision making on key issues such as the benefits of diversity for every child in our schools, we determined that a short written statement would best communicate our opposition to this hateful bill.”

For more information, visit https://www.loveboldly.org/billtracker/sb113. 

A Prayer for Our Libraries

Sunday, May 17, 2026

Lisa Vahey

Allied Person of Faith

Devotion

Oh, amazing Lord, what a gift you’ve given us in libraries.

Like churches, they can hold us in quiet and contemplation.

Like churches, they can spring to life – workshops, meetings, little ones singing at story time, youth tumbling in afterschool, all kinds of community gatherings - the busyness of our community, the hub of our humanity.

And our librarians are angels here on earth.

Helping without judgement.

Putting the right book

in the right hands

at the right time.

And ensuring everyone – EVERYONE, Lord! – knows they are welcome here.

They make sure the library shelves are filled with books that are mirrors and windows*.

Books where we see our own beauty – every race, gender, sexuality and creed – reflected back at us.

And books that show us something different than ourselves - a chance to learn, explore, wonder, and dream - across differences; despite differences - and Lord, that’s exactly what you’ve asked us to do: To see You in every person we meet, and meet them with love.

A place where everyone is welcomed

where each person can feel and see and hear: 

you belong.

Thank you for the blessing of libraries and librarians and keep them safe from all harm. 

Reflection

1.    What are sacred spaces that wrap you in belonging? Consider holding them in your prayers today.

2.    If you feel the blessing of your own local libraries, how can you show your appreciation? How can you keep them safe?

Action

Visit your local library or your campus library this week. Talk to a librarian. Thank them for their work.