See the faces in this picture? These are a few of my
book club peeps and hear me when I say these women help make my world go round. Also, I’d like to
mention in these tumultuous times, that in our group of twelve, there are at least six faiths represented. Did we
plan to establish a religiously diverse book club? No. It just worked out that
way and I’m that much more enlightened because it did. I can’t tell you how happily
my brain buzzes after an invigorating book discussion with these women. I find
I’m often challenged, though not threatened in my own faith. Because I firmly believe only that which
rests on a weak foundation is threatened by the differences of others.
I’ve wrestled for weeks about how vocal to be about
what’s happening in our country and I keep coming back to my actions—people will
pay attention to how I’m living more than what I’m saying. So read this. But I
also invite you to observe how I act online and in person. Hold me accountable.
(Don’t vent or spew…but if you see me doing wrong to another human being, excluding,
or being hateful, you are welcome to come to me and confront me about it. I
believe in being open to change. And I’m certainly humble enough to know I
screw up on a daily basis.)
Back to my peeps though for a second. I love God. He’s
been good to me and changed my life in countless ways. I want others to know
that love. However, I’m also really curious to hear about how others are living
their lives. I appreciate listening to what motivates and drives them, what
rituals and traditions they may espouse to, learning about their unique faith. Here’s
a real kicker…the women in my book club have various political leanings as
well. Would we choose to shut someone out, to oust them, if they opposed our
viewpoint? No. That’s not who we are.
Instead, if I may say so, I think most of us feel that someone who doesn’t
share our same views actually has the ability to edify us if we’re only willing
to hear them.
That’s just it.
It starts with us. We need to be willing. We need to
let others in. To cut the fear. To stay accountable. To remain open and
nonjudgmental.
And we need to look closely at our own behavior before
we try to convince anyone else of anything.
Jesus said it best: "Don't point out the sawdust(speck) in someone's eye, when you have a beam in you own eye." This is not an exact quote but the message is there.
ReplyDeleteYep, that's a good one.
ReplyDeleteYes!! Thank you:)
ReplyDeleteBet you can guess where I learned a lot of this. ;-)
DeleteWendy! Your words and your life are an inspiration to me. It's been delightful catching up on your blog this evening. And this post is IT. You're one amazing woman of God!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Melanie. Would be so cool to live in the same town as you. Would love knowing I could hang out with you often. :-)
DeleteAfter reading your article I was amazed. I know that you explain it very well. And I hope that other readers will also experience how I feel after reading your article. drama wiki
ReplyDeleteDocuSign Login at www.docusign.com for Electronic Signature · Reset DocuSign Sign In Password. How do I log into DocuSign? · docusign sign in Go to this login page. · Enter your Email and continue. · Provide your password on the next page. · After that, click on Login. DocuSign eSignature is the world's #1 way to send and sign agreements from practically anywhere, at any time. Your signature is your word, so no wonder.
ReplyDelete