FAMILY MATTERS:
Do not rebuild fallen walls of separation
___The recent tragedy in our nation has left me feeling both numb and overwhelmed. From a distance, what can one person do to show that God can bring something good out of this horrible act of hatred?
___Your question is important because if you do not keep asking it, you will too
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MARY STEDHAM
Family Counselor
Abilene
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quickly forget God can make good use of whatever the world and its imperfect inhabitants dream up. What happened was certainly not God's wish for any of his children, but what is happening is part of God's hope for us.
___Billy Graham was asked what he saw as the greatest problem in the world several years ago. He responded, "Racial prejudice." Experts were asked what they saw as people's greatest problem emotionally. Their answer was consistent, "Loneliness."
___We battle the same human behaviors and experiences Jesus observed on Earth. We divide into our groups and pass judgment on others. We isolate ourselves for self-protection and comfort. We lock ourselves in our houses and roll up the windows as we drive. Then we try desperately to stay in touch, using our countless communication devices but rarely stopping to really be with those around us.
___In September 2001, we changed. Suddenly, we did not seek entertainment or comfort. We wanted to care and share the load of people we did not know. We became like Christ, wanting to connect, even when it was painful.
___As we watched physical walls come down before us, we felt old walls of judgment crumble within us. Suddenly, all politicians were not crooks. And instantly, a firefighter rose to a position of honor that would rival any doctor, lawyer or stock broker. We valued different things. We valued different people. We found ourselves wanting to understand people whose heritage and faith are different from our own as we saw them reach out to those near them.
___Our powerful nation welcomed the concern and support of others. We joined in one voice to thank God for what we have and humbly ask that we all be given what we truly need.
___We all witnessed in these moments of shared grief the life-changing power of "with-ness."
___What can we do to turn this unspeakably evil act to good? We can refuse to rebuild those separating walls that miraculously collapsed within us and within our churches and communities during these great days of darkness.
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