[x_feature_headline type=”left” level=”h1″ looks_like=”h2″ icon=”500px”]The Restoration Project–Our Lenten Journey[/x_feature_headline]
Earthquake bolts were invented to provide stability to buildings that survived significant damage during seismic events but needed to be reinforced to ensure the longevity of the structure. A bolt was threaded through an entire building and tightened on each exterior wall to provide stabilization and reinforcement. The stars on this picture are examples of earthquake bolts in Charleston, SC.
The reality is Earthquake Bolts are a significant qualifier in Charleston. It shows that your house was there in the 1886 earthquake–something to be proud of in a city steeped and grounded in her history. Other houses and owners picked up on this. They had earthquake bolts installed on their house too–but not for structural support. They did it for status and as a statement to others. Deceptive to be sure. To further the deceit, in these fake bolts, the only parts that were included were the end caps. Nothing connected the bolts together. Nothing provided the structural support. These bolts serve no function other than decoration and to increase opinion and value of the structure.
Through this Lent, are you going to be one of the real earthquake bolts or one of the fake ones?
The spiritual disciplines of Lent are not simple tasks. Following Jesus isn’t for the faint of heart. It takes nothing short of the power of the Holy Spirit to make it possible. The Restoration Project is our theme on this journey. We will do the hard work of drilling down into our soul. We will examine where our lives are structurally unsound; where we are bent and crooked; where we put on an exterior decoration with nothing that strengthens the support of our structure. In short, examining scripture we will let the Word of God read us. We will allow it to drill deep into our souls in order to straighten us out with God’s righteousness.
As our sanctuary goes through a significant restoration, we will harness this time to be restored as well. Join us for our weekend worship services and on Wednesdays at noon and 6:15 to take part in The Restoration Project.
Photo Credit: Liz Schreiner
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