Captivated Me

One glance at the news today, and we can find ourselves bombarded by messages that fixate on the differences between us, painting anyone with an opposing viewpoint as an enemy. Words of blame, judgement, and accusation seem to race back and forth like tennis balls zinging off a racket, or heartbreakingly, sometimes more like grenades between trenches. Misunderstandings and assumptions fill the air like dust from the explosions that ensue, making it difficult to see each other clearly. Partisan agendas on all sides, generalized stereotypes, unkind or mocking words of anyone deemed through our own lens as an “other” – These so often seem to eclipse the basic truth that within each person we do or don’t agree with rests a treasured, precious heart and soul fashioned by God – worthy to be treated with dignity, respect, and kindness.⁣
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Behind each unique face we encounter day to day lies a nuanced and beautifully complex story of triumphs, traumas, giftings, mistakes, fears, joys, and sorrows. Beneath each pair of feet is a path we know very little if anything about. Can we have a little (or a lot) more grace for each other as we all try to navigate this messy but gorgeous thing called life? Instead of pointing our finger outward, can we extend a gentle hand? Instead of jumping to conclusions about others, can we direct our gaze within today and work to let go of the judgements we might unwittingly harbor? As we do, let’s not shame ourselves, but instead choose grace over ourselves and others while we find healthy, edifying ways to use our voices for change, take steps forward, learn and grow.⁣
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We are all human, and not a single one of us is perfect or has this thing all figured out. Let’s lay our grenades down, love extravagantly, and work to become ambassadors of grace today.⁣
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“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:2-3