Over the last few months in particular, I have seen a lot of division. This is how I've been feeling as I sit at my computer and look at all the hateful, racist, and angry posts and articles:
Though I rarely choose to say something on Facebook (these types of conversations hardly ever actually help or bring people together... in fact most of the time they do the opposite), I took a shot at it. Thankfully I got a really positive response, to which I am extremely grateful for (I really had no idea how it would be received).
Jeremiah Johnson knows how I felt about the response(s):
I figured I'd just copy/paste it below to see what the broader blogosphere might think. Feel free to comment with any thoughts you might have. Thanks! Here's the post:
"A very rare type of post from me... Thanks ahead of time for your grace. I know it's hard to figure out tone of voice in text -- I write this out of loving-concern, nothing more, nothing less... like a parent talking to their kid about looking both ways before crossing the street. Hopefully it makes some sort of sense
It hurts my heart how much hate and intolerance I see our FB walls and in the comment sections of so many articles, regardless of what the article was actually about in the first place. There's a further disconnect for some reason when it's online, like I said above. Our racism (implicit/explicit), pridefulness ("I am correct" mentality) and lack of love for one another is corrosive to our souls and stains the fabric of our common humanity. We must look in the mirror and reflect deeply on what we see, and put a magnifying glass over our hearts before continuing to tear down "them", or whoever "they" are for you. Please, for just one moment, let us set aside our political agendas and remember the color of blood that runs through us all. Yes, of course these issues are important! But for just a second I beg us to imagine the preciousness of all human life...
We are all part of the same tapestry, and when you and I attempt to stamp out and burn up the thread that we don't like for being on the "wrong side" or for being the wrong color of thread, we only unravel ourselves in the process - for only when we all overlap our lives and appreciate one another do we add value to the whole picture and make up a beautiful image - together. If we try to cut each other out of the picture and devalue each other, we all lose. We all unravel. Please, I beg us to see one another as we see ourselves. Let's figure out what will bring peace, not division, and pursue that option from a posture of humility, not pride. Let's drop the hatred long enough to look into each other's eyes, eat together, cry together, and walk side by side in each other's shoes for a mile or two. Then, maybe - just maybe - we can pick up these issues again and re-evaluate our response, grounded in a newfound sense of peace, hope, love, and faith. It's not going to be easy, but it's going to be worth it."
Here's a high-paw for your time. Have a nice day :)
Mark I was so blessed to receive your personal e-mail this morning, but more on that another time, and as you asked, I will include a bit about me, although it will wane in comparison to your exciting life. As I said before, I feel as though I have known you and Brittany and Zoey forever, now I really do and I will quickly tell you why. I say quickly because I am typing through tears, happy, blessed, good tears. I have just finished reading all of your blogs up to this point, and although it is 6 months ago, I just had to comment on Tapestry of Peace. Mark I cannot remember when I have ever read anything, outside of the Word of God, that has blessed me as much as as this blog. We have just "met" and in cyberspace no less, but I sense in my spirit that the Holy Spirit was upon you when you wrote that piece, that it was anointed, and ordained of God, and you were being obedient to His lead, as uncomfortable as it might have seemed at the time. That is why you were able to write it, and that is why you received the response you did. You guys are such a Blessing I cannot tell you!! I want to get on this site and just soak up every single thing that is happening to you all. I want to be your prayer partner in all you endeavor to do in the name of the Lord. I want to support you financially even though on a fixed income it will be less than I would like, (however I pray God will multiply it abundantly. I know God has led me to your site because I needed the message you are spreading by just being who you are. I probably am not making any sense.....I have so much I want to say, but not the gift for expressing it like you do. Just know that you have a friend in me, and I am praying for you all always and I will share more another time, and that I am always lurking about! LOL! God Bless you for all that you are doing and being a bright and shining light in a sometimes dim and dark world.
ReplyDeleteFather God, thank you for these wonderful Sherman's. Keep them safe and go before them in everything they do. May they have your traveling mercies, and your wings of love covering them and protecting them, as they go about your business. Thank you for they blessing that they are to me. When they get weary and tired, replenish their every need Lord. Cover them always with the precious blood of Jesus. In His name I pray. Amen
Love you my new friends.
Sharon
P.S. Now you know why I closed my FB page. ;-)