Who's Who at AC3--Lori Caperoon

In our mission to be a safe church for seekers, we sometimes hear those attending say that they don't know who someone is. We want you to get to know the faces you see around AC3.  We are starting with the Triad, and last time we introduced you to Deanna Braaten. Next up, we have Lori Caperoon, another one of our Elders at AC3!

Questions-Spiritually Minded

• How I clear my mind after a challenging day:

If it’s been a frustrating day, even if I’ve gone to God about it, sometimes my mind just won’t clear. If I can laugh, it’s a great way to clear my head. For frustrating days, I will call a friend or family member and talk about it, and it usually turns to laughter. If it’s late at night and my head won’t stop thinking, I will watch something funny on tv and that will bring me to the present moment and stop the “mind stick”. Laughter feels like taking a clean shower on the inside of my mind and heart.

Lori and her husband of more than 20 years, Shea

• Change I’d like to see among Christians today:

Oh man, I would love it so much if we were known more for what/who we stand FOR instead of what/who we stand AGAINST.  There is enough dissension in the world and enough hatred. If we can demonstrate the love of Christ in all circumstances, that would be a game changer for how Christians are viewed in this culture. Love is not weak! It’s amazingly strong along with its companion: forgiveness. That’s a big reason why Jesus was so revolutionary. He offered love and forgiveness instead of picking up stones.

• Moment I saw significant change in my servant life:

When I decided to look at the reasons I was resisting serving, I realized most of them were based in fear. Fear of being committed to something I didn’t like, fear of it taking too much time, fear of not “clicking” with the people I would be serving with, fear of not being liked, fear I wouldn’t be good at it…you see the trend. When I read that the Bible states that perfect love casts out all fear, I realized this fear was a barrier to the love I’m called to. So, I just got brave and tried stuff. Some serving positions come and go, and some stick around for years. But I try very hard to bathe it all in love, being the hands and feet of Jesus whether I am rocking a foster child to sleep or helping to fold church flyers, or cleaning bathrooms. It’s all sacred work to me.

Lori's sons: Aaron, Eamon, and Asher

• How I found my way to AC3:

The internet!

• Advice I’d give to Younger Me:

Let the small stuff go. Yes, you’re doing it right. No, shoulder pads are not your friends.

• Gifting I most admire:

Faith. I admire people who never, ever doubt. Some people are gifted with this unshakable, immovable faith. Others have times where we sweat it out on our knees and have midnight existential crises. For us, the beautiful gift of faith always comes through, but I wish it came as easily for me as it does for the Faith people. Oh, and hospitality because I slog my way through that one too, tho it’s getting easier.

• Favorite serving experience:

There have been many, but going to Africa was my favorite if I can call that a serving experience. There are one billion stories, laughs, cries, and faith-builders that came out of that trip. And I am forever changed by it. Go! You should!

• What I tell others about serving:

What are you afraid of? What if that fear wasn’t even true? I advise people to jump in and try something. You don’t have to commit forever. And if you’re not sure, talk to the person in charge and let them know you’re just trying it out for a few times to see if it’s a good fit. Pray and ask God to open your eyes to opportunities, then step out. Don’t wait for something to knock on your door.

• 3 disciplines/habits that keep me connected to community:

Going to church regularly, small group (I didn’t have one so I started one. You can too!) and just going to coffee with people. Coffee is a great way to get to know people. It has a limited time frame, in a public place and is least likely to be scary if people scare you. I love people, but I also love coffee, so it’s a win/win.

Lori and her grandson, Finn

• 3 disciplines/habits that keep me connected to God

The obvious ones: Prayer, scripture reading and memorizing. A prayer journal is a new practice I started again, and it’s awesome. Less obvious, I never miss a sunset if I can help it. I feel in touch with God’s presence, and it feels like a gift. Also, I write. I get deeply connected to God when I write because it is where I am most honest, authentic and spiritually aware. Everyone is different, so find the thing that feels most spiritual to you.


Questions-Secular-Minded

• What book left a lasting impression on you?

I’m with Dea- To Kill a Mockingbird. Read it! Or see the movie. It’s good too.

• There is a zombie apocalypse...What is your weapon of choice?

Is an invisibility cloak a weapon? Did that just make me seem nerdy?

• Marvel or DC?

Marvel

• Beach or Mountains? Why?

I love the smell at both places, but I will always choose water. It’s so life-affirming to me.

• What is your favorite sport to watch? Team to follow?

Go Hawks!

• Favorite season? Why?

Winter, but when it’s snowing not raining. Don’t be a hater! When it snows, the world goes quiet and people are forced to stop and be in the moment. I love it. It makes me feel like a kid again.

• What is your idea of a dream vacation?

Sun and loved ones. And water. And a waiter. Perhaps a spa. But mostly sun and loved ones.

Lori, Shea, and their granddaughter, Tegan

• Something that your mother/father said to you when you were little that you now say to your kids (or did when they were younger.)

“How would you feel if someone said/did that to you?”

• What is the last thing you binge-watched?

Shetland

• Morning person or night owl? 

Night owl

• Best advice I’ve ever gotten:

You’ve only got one audience. God is the only person you should care about watching you.(From my husband.)