Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus…
(Hebrews 12:1-2)
Want a great Fourth of July table conversation? Try fun food talk. My sister sent me a book for my birthday called Food Listography. It is filled with empty pages with titles like these.
After I sat down, I saw transformation in Janice. Even though I did not have work for her and gave her no money, she began to talk to me about life. I could see in her eyes that she felt valued by me. We were now just two people sitting on a porch.
I replay many of these scenes through my head, wondering if I did the wrong thing. But the bottom line is that, if I am going to remain friends with Janice, I need to be honest with her. A lot of people share advice on beggars, but I often wonder if they actually live in a neighborhood where these same beggars are friends who they actually love and care about. (I’m not talking about the feedback you gave in the comments on last week’s post. I found that helpful and challenging.)
Listening reminds us that we are all humans made in the image of God, desperately in need of a Savior. Listening makes us ache for the pain and loss of others, especially if they don’t know Jesus. And listening offers dignity to the storyteller, reminding them that they matter.
The other week, our friend Louisa here from church in Elkhart told us that she has been donating plasma. The plasma center was offering a
Peter, ever the impulsive leader of the disciples, says he is going fishing, days after the drama of Jesus death and resurrection. Six other of
