I've only done a very shallow read of the Acts of the Apostles but I know it's been said that it's one of the most ideal portraits of a Christian community. The early believers took care of one another, they had zeal, they had a mission and they didn't lose sight of it. They kept reminding one another of it, through their faith and through acts of service. I'm giving "Oprah" a shallow watch as I do some research and ignore a sink full of dirty dishes. In a bit I'm going to go downstairs and look at the piles of clothes and books I still need to donate and I'll likely feel overwhelmed, turn on my heels, go brush my teeth and find myself at 3 a.m. still wearing my yoga pants and T-shirt and my reading glasses.

But somewhere in the mix I will give pause to the weekend that was, to the warm faces and hushed tones of my beautiful church friends as we stealthily orchestrated a surprise birthday dinner for Loverpants. I will think of the sincere love they have for my children, and how they simply do not hesitate to ever answer a call for help. My church friends are really my church family and they not only remind me that Christian love is possible--they restore my faith over and over that it is real.

*** Helmethead