If we pay attention to the world around us lately, it seems that everything is falling apart in dramatic explosions. From the horrors of war & all that brings out to highlight the purest evils of humanity to the intractability in governance with extremist ideology highlighting the purest of self-serving viewpoints, the outlook of late seems at best grim; at worst, we are once again facing the end times. Amid my personal journey home & resuming life upon our return, I am struggling to turn away from the news narrative that highlights the worst dysfunctions of humanity. And the reality of the inundation of the news cycles to seemingly stuck on repeating the horror stories unfolding, it is easy to think all is loss.
However, as this week unfolded closer to home, I was reminded of the goodness we share in our human connections. I attended a ribbon cutting at the House of Refuge as they celebrated the opening of their Teen Center. I also confirmed a recurring work day with the House of Refuge, committing Song of Life UMC to participate in hands-on work the second Thursday of each month starting in November. I also met with members of other faith communities to discuss hosting a live nativity on our church property on Saturday, December 16th, from 5-8:30 pm. Even with vast theological differences & beliefs, we kept the essentials in front of us: love of God & love of community. On short notice, I was able to join some church members as we sorted our off-site storage units, putting our backs into caring for the church’s physical property. Finally, I was invited & participated in an interfaith luncheon hosted by the Queen Creek School District. Once again, I realized that despite distinctly different theologies, ideologies, & worship practices, there are things we can agree on as essential: honoring the humanity of others even in our differences.
It is easy to forget the humanity of those who differ from us, overlooking the beating heart, the emotional connections, and the truth others hold dear that ultimately contradict our own truths. Throughout history, we have seen wars, genocides, & other horrible atrocities carried out based on absolute orthodoxy. This week reminds me of the benefits of wonder in our faith, the wonder that allows us to wonder if another might be right even as we wonder if we might be wrong; the wonder that holds space for a truth not yet revealed in the limited understanding of humanity. Regardless, this week reminds me there is yet good in this world, good in humanity & a willingness among some to cross the bridge of differences that can heal even just a bit of the divide.
In Christ’s Love,
