Different

By -
This year has been interesting, to say the least. It's hard to neatly describe or concisely summarize all that we've experienced because first, we are all still in the middle of it and second, we actually don't know when we'll come out on the other side of all this. Third, there is no "one size fits all" narrative that would adequately or accurately articulate each of our unique experiences over the past few months (and even for the months and years to come). Although there are similar and common symptoms, the virus physically affects the body differently from person to person and so each of our experiences will be varied as well. Among the many things this pandemic has highlighted and brought to the forefront, one thing that really comes to my mind is the important role that compassion plays. We need to be compassionate towards other people's experiences. We should allow and give people the time, space and freedom to share their story. We need to honor and respect people's experiences and their story. 

Does this mean that we must agree with everything they say? No. Does this mean that we allow people to say whatever they want to say? Not necessarily. I'm speaking primarily within the context of local churches, our individual spheres of influence, community, family and personal friends - the people we actually know and have relationship with. We desperately need to create an atmosphere that invites, allows and welcomes people to not only share their story and experiences, but champions a culture that would embrace people who have a different story and experience than ours. This is the only way we can then help connect their story to the story that God is writing for their life. 

People want to feel heard and seen. They want to know that their story has value and significance. They want to know they matter. 

In our current cancel and highly politicize culture, can we counter the negativity by being people of grace, compassion and love? Or choosing to simply not engage in the negativity? I'm challenging myself to live in such a way that I am known more for what I am for than what I am against. Does being a person of grace, compassion and love cancels truth and speaking truth? Absolutely not. Truth actually points us towards grace, compassion and love. They are not mutually exclusive but work in harmony. 

Yes, easier said than done but I want to keep working on it. I want to live differently.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Surprise

By -
Surprise! I am not a fan of surprises. Absolutely no. Clarification. I am not a fan of surprises that are not good. In other words, I only like favorable, wanted, and pleasant surprises that work for me. Otherwise, I'll pass. No thanks. I'm not too fond of the feeling of being unprepared. I like to predict and curate how I respond. I don't want to be caught off guard. Yes, I have control issues. But as I dig deeper, I think my "need" to control stems from fear. I don't like unpredictable circumstances. I don't do well with awkwardness. And I don't particularly navigate uncomfortable situations with grace or poise.  However, I'm learning life is one big surprise! So if I want the good from the unexpected, I must also be willing to accept and embrace everything in between.  In my quest to insulate myself from discomfort or pain, and avoidance of situations or taking risks that could possibly subject myself to hard things, could I possibly be disadvan...
Read more

The Light

By -
Over the last two weeks, the word "light" was mentioned three times by three different people, and each time, I was in the headspace of thinking of our pending transition. It's not a word that is typically used or expected, in my opinion, especially in light of the context. The word choice and frequency were significant enough to catch my attention each time. So naturally, I'm inquiring and asking the Lord, what does it mean to me and my situation?  I'm still musing over it. But for now, it's given me encouragement, confidence, and enough strength to keep moving forward in faith and trust - especially in the face of the uncertainty, the mystery, and tasks to get us from "here to there."  As I type this, it's taking one day and one step at a time - towards the light. So while I do not know all of the steps and how they will all ultimately work out, I can have peace and assurance in the steps I am taking.  For me, "follow the light, keep walki...
Read more

Moving Forward

By -
Moving forward is a choice. For those who have decided to follow Jesus, there is no other viable option. We must keep moving forward in Him and in faith.  We have been given everything we need for godly living and to run our race. We have direct access to grace and resurrection power because greater is He who lives in us than he who is in the world. It might be a fight, an uphill battle, but if we would not fail or falter but keep pressing forward, we'll see the victory in Jesus. Fear is a liar. Don't let the angst of uncertainty or the obstacles you see deter or discourage you. Dig deep, and stay in the game!  How do we run our race with endurance, longevity, and fruitfulness?  We run after the Father with hearts of surrender, open hands, and no ulterior motive or agenda of our own but to obey and be about the Father's business. Our obedience is not rooted in fear, obligation, or some pro-quid tactic.  It's rooted in love, gratitude, and adoration towards a loving a...
Read more