With all the chaos, the protests, the destruction of property and business, I wonder how people judge others to the point where life is threatened, and nothing really matters except hurting others. It seems that this movement of BLM consists only of destroying property and obtaining power to have others bow to their needs. I understand that the deaths of African Americans is a concern, with the improper training of police officers these days, but so are the deaths of African Americans killing each other. Look at Chicago. I’d like to share a “Mediation of The Day” in part written by the Venerable Thomas A. Kempis, who was a German priest and monk who wrote many spiritual works.
We are called by God to love and serve one another. Believing in God for me, is to please HIM, by bearing one another’s burdens and in charity pray for one another, for God is in each of us, and each of us is in God. Whatever imperfections or foolishness we witness in a brother, we ought to interpret it kindly, as we would wish it done to us.
~Venerable Thomas A. Kempis
When I think of bearing with others, that they will bear with me, to excuse others, I too will be excused, having compassion on those that commit sins against God, I too will have compassion. But this is not the case any longer it seems. We are called to be kind to a brother or sister suffering in temptation because of something that is indeed very small or because of a simple annoyance on the part of another. When I see on the news protesters taking it upon themselves to destroy property or crash an eatery while others are engaged in dinning, some old, some young, it breaks my heart. This is not power; this is bullying in the greatest form.
If you were to do some research into Black Lives Matter, you will find that it has an occult agenda, such as asking for one to repeat the name of the deceased over and over again. I will never bow to anyone except my God in Heaven. I will always have the heart to help others in need, to protect the innocent, and to fight for justice, whether it be through my writing, my art, or my words. When I read the definition of Prejudice or being Racist, it doesn’t come close to my personality, and I absolutely reject the fact that others can tell me how I feel or who I am that do not know me.
Maintain silence with regard to another if you have no authority to admonish him; rather look to yourself and correct what you find there. If you think you are right and still intend to set your neighbor straight, then first begin with yourself and only later proceed to correct him, but with modesty and prudence, setting aside all hostility.
~Venerable Thomas A. Kempis
I don’t know where all this will lead, and I welcome anyone’s view with respect. Every day I pray for hearts to change, but in order for this to happen, you have to believe in doing good to others, not evil.
Thank you, Lynn, for this heartfelt and brave piece. There is a truth here: that if the world strove to implement the teaching of Christ, it would be a dramatically different, warmer and more loving place. We are seeing evil manifest itself in ways that are new for this generation. In response, Christians are beginning to rise up and confront it. Be encouraged. The Lord has you in the palm of his hand. You were born for such a time as this.
Dave, thank you for taking the time to read this piece. I agree heartfelt that Christians are beginning to rise up and confront most definietly. Your words bring encouragement. PAX
God writes straight in crooked lines through us Linnie. We are inspired by His grace that strengthens us to fight the good fight with love and truth regardless of the cost.
Thank you my best friend, cheerleader and husband.
Good words, as usual, Lynn. One of the oldest books in my (little) library is ‘Of the Imitation of Christ’, by Thomas a Kempis. It is a wonderful work comprised mostly of a dialogue between the writer and his Lord. Your article has prompted a re-reading on my part (Thank you!!). The sins of others, both small and large, are cause for the heart of a Christ follower to break – as Jesus’ heart did. There is a wonderful song with the lyric ‘break my heart for what breaks Yours’……as you know, as we (choose to) pursue Christ His indwelling Spirit transforms us in a way that only He can; so much so that we (in a way totally unnatural to the world) can be obedient to such commands as ‘love your enemy’, ‘bless those who persecute you’ and such. I guess that’s partly why it is called amazing grace. I join you in praying that His church rises up to meet the challenges of the times we live in. We were born to such a time as this……it all begins with each one of us. Thanks for writing!
Mike, first, thank you for taking time to read my article and to give your thoughts as well. Seems that since I changed my monikar Soldier of Christ, I don’t receive too many comments. I always tell myself, that I write for the legacy for my grandchildren and children, not to receive acolades but it is nice when I do. Thomas A. Kempis is one of my go to writers to really hit the core of spiritual thoughts. Thank you again for commenting. I would have missed it, as it ended up in my Junk folder, glad I checked.