Sharon Bassett giving a Legislative Sub-Committee Report to General Conference

From Crayons to Prophesy

Photo and story by Heather Williams

Sharon Basset, the lay leader of our Annual Conference, is the fearless leader assigned to reigning in and checking on our delegation to General Conference 2004. A woman of grace and focus, determination and integrity; how blessed we are that she is representing our conference and tending to our restless delegates.

At 7:30 a.m. Sharon asks the waitress for seven extra activity sheets and crayons for her restless friends. One could become stir crazy while sitting still from 7:30 a.m. until long into the night, sometimes even midnight.

As the chairperson of a sub-committee, Sharon had the responsibility to present a report to the entire floor of General Conference. With grace and poise she articulated well the position of her committee.

Late in the day Sharon again took the microphone on the floor in the midst of hundreds of clergy and laity to speak from her heart a the motion set before the crowd.

Sharon asks us, “If we are not honest about who we are as the church, how will we go into the world and make disciples for Christ?”

“We have to be honest to those whom we try to reach out to,” she adds. “To be honest is to say that we are a divided people who do not agree on the wording in the Book of Discipline and the inclusiveness of God’s circle.”

Friday morning Bishop Rhymes Moncour preached about our resurrection songs. These songs bring forth transformation if we dare to give them voice, if we dare to set our song free. Sharon’s song is free and lightens up the room. Her song is a witness to the love and the truth of God. What a melody she adds to the divine symphony that fills the earth.

In her singing, Sharon has tried to ground herself in the hope that comes from Christ. It is painful and difficult in the midst of all the division and politics of General Conference. But Sharon continues to dance and to sing (about Cows – ask her for a chorus or two!), she continues to smile and laugh. Her song reminds those around her that’s God’s love will not be silenced nor contained.

What courage and strength of spirit. Praise God for spirits who are willing to speak from their heart as the Spirit of God leads them. And if you know Sharon then you know she is led by the presence and the grace of the Holy Spirit.

And she danced! What a free spirit of love and joy! From crayons to prophecy!