There's so much happening in the world today that has people on edge. I especially notice it in the Christian community. It seems everyone, from all walks of life are feeling persecuted in some way. People are offended by so many things that the verbal wars run rampant. Others are terrified for their safety - their lives - because of terrorism, natural disasters, and what many have been calling "the signs of the times."
As I scrolled through my newsfeed, tonight, I began to weep. I cried because my heart is heavy and broken. I can only imagine what God is feeling. There are so many things I see that hurt me to my core.... and some that don't, but probably should. This world is chaos. This world is scary. There are no guarantees.... the horrible possiblilities are infinite.
Children are being taken from loving, stable homes because of parents who think outside the box. Others are being left in unsafe homes, despite obvious signs of abuse and neglect. People are fighting over the definition of marriage. Innocent unborn human lives are being killed and tossed in the trash daily. Women and children are being trafficked into unimaginable forms of slavery (what type of slavery isn't?). The right to bear arms is being debated because of criminals who commit heinous crimes. We're fighting over flags and symbols and food while our country crumbles beneath our feet.
I wanted to throw in the towel. I wanted to say "to hell with it all" and hide in a cave somewhere. But the Lord tugged on my heart..... my imperfect, often bitter, sinful, broken, yet willing heart. He reminded me that we must cast all our cares upon HIM. He loves us. He loves us despite our sinfulness, brokenness, wretchedness. He sees His creation. He sees through the ugliness and finds the beauty in His children. He desires that we all allow Him to cleanse us.... He desires that we all seek FREEDOM in Him. He wants to extend His grace and mercy, if only we'll accept it.
We all obviously have very strong convictions on many topics. Things get heated. Friendships get ruined. I noticed I've lost a few friends recently, and I haven't said much about anything lately other than what life is like with my husband and kiddos. Maybe I've said a few things here and there, but man, I try my best to say everything out of love.... yet my words, too, are offensive to some. You know, that's okay. While part of me has this desire to keep everyone happy and to keep the peace, maybe I'm just not the best sort of friend for all the people in the world.... and maybe all the people in the world just aren't the best sorts of friends for me.
In the midst of all these crumbling friendships, various mini-battles, and other happenings that tend to bring us down.... I challenge you, those friends I do have left, to walk in love. Whether you are a believer or not, whether you're gay or straight, republican, democrat, black, white, purple, fat, thin, rich, or poor.... keep your convictions, speak highly of the things you believe in, but walk in love. LOVE.
We don't have to agree on everything to love each other. Right? I mean, my husband and I don't agree on everything. We agree on most things, but sometimes we disagree. That doesn't mean I'm going to unfriend him on Facebook and throw a tantrum and spew words of hate at him..... well, okay, I may have messed up and done one or two of those things, one, or a few times.... but the point is ~ we still love each other. That might not be the best example, seeing as we made vows to stick together for life.... but the same can be applied to most of my friendships. Those that aren't worth keeping can fizzle out, peacefully.... but there's no need to shake my finger in their face, threaten to unfriend them if they don't see things my way, and act juvenile over every little issue every.single.day.
If you must choose different paths from those you know, do so quietly.... lovingly. If you can overlook your differences.... even better! Life is too short for me to hate on those who have different opinions. Life is too valuable for me to waste my time arguing with people of opposite views. I want to change lives for the better, not beat my opinions into them. I want to encourage, uplift, and strengthen others.... I don't want to be the cause of stress, anxiety, or defeat in another person's life.
If you have different views than me, know that I love you.... Jesus loves you (even if you don't believe in Him), and I send you hugs.... You are cherished by the One who created you. You are loved ever so much. You are valued. You are amazing.
~Em
No comments:
Post a Comment