{my graphics are free goodies for you}
I looked at the screen of my iphone where holiday cheer and expressions of thanks are the norm this time of year. But #Ferguson had transformed my Twitter stream into a waterfall of chaos and anger, division and pain, confrontations and confusion.
And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;“For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”
Whenever I encounter disagreements between people {whether strangers or folks I hold dear} I want to see every perspective. I try to ponder all the questions. I hope to truly understand. But in the end I always come back to this: When we hate each other we are foolish if we don’t think we’re actually on the same side–the side of the enemy of love.
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”
As long as this world keeps spinning, we will have more work to do when it comes to learning how to love each other. But I’m certain of this:
Kindness is even more fierce than hatred.
Choosing to listen is an act of wild courage.
Gentleness is a quiet bomb that can explode the barriers that divide us.
My prayer this Thanksgiving is that we gather around tables. Yes, with people we already know and love. But also with those who are different than us. Those who we don’t understand. Those who might even make us feel angry or afraid.
Because one day we will gather around another table in heaven for a feast that’s been a long time coming. And I don’t think God will ask us, “Were you right?” I think He will ask us, “Did you love each other?” Because that’s what every Father wants for their family.
May we never give up on answering “yes” to that question. Even when it’s hard. Even when it’s messy. Even when we want to step out of our chair, throw our napkin on the table and walk away.
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.
XOXO
{Wall Street Journal bestselling author, follower of Jesus, friend to YOU}
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Welcome to the Coffee for Your Heart weekly link-up! You’re an encourager so I’m asking you to pour out a little love with your words every Wednesday {link-up goes live at 5:30am CST}. Simply write an encouraging blog post and then share it here. Don’t have a blog? You can still write an encouraging comment. If you’re reading this by email, go to holleygerth.com to see all the fun and join in too.
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I’m having Coffee For Your Heart with my friend Holley Gerth
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