Immigrants and the Christian Family

A lot of Christians apparently ignore the fact that most of the multitude of immigrants from Mexico and other nations to the South are Christians.

Ignoring this reality violates what Paul wrote to the Galatians: "So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith" [Galatians 6.10].

It seems that the "family of faith," for some, has borders with fences and guns. Some family, huh? "Send 'em packin'; we don't want 'em. Who cares - they're illegals!"

At what point, does a Christian affirm "citizenship in heaven" over citizenship in any given land. American Christians do well to hear Moses in Deuteronomy 15. For the people crossing our borders are part of the family, if not the family of faith, then the human family, a family created by God, loved by God and welcomed by God.

In my mind, talk of borders and guards and illegals with regard to "keeping people out" should never pass the lips of a Christian. Never! From the God who adopted us, not for any reason inherent in us, but only out of love, comes the message of welcome.

I will not worry about our border - there are plenty of folks who do. And this I affirm: where there is love and welcome, there is the blessing of God!

It's high time that folks began to ask again: WWJD.

This I know: He wouldn't send anyone away!

And for those churches that display both the American and the Christian Flag, let the Christian Flag, the banner of self-sacrifice and peace, trump all other flags!

God's Peace for those who are open to it for others ... and a troubled heart and mind for those who love boundaries and defend them with guns!

I Have a Very Good Friend

I have a very good friend.
A writer.
A poet.
A preacher.

Whose life is an open book.
Every word.
From the heart.
With the mind.

He always inspires me.
To see words.
For what they are.
Puffs of light and delight.

At least as I see them.
As they appear.
For a moment.
Here.

Faith Is Always a Crooked Pathway

Christianity, like nature itself, abhors the straight line. Though a straight line might be the shortest distance between two points, allowing for speed, faith is filled with curves and more than enough ups and downs, requiring a slower pace. Christianity, like nature, is gloriously crooked!

I think of Jesus on his way to Jerusalem - he didn't take the direct route but detoured through Samaria. I like that, and what a bounty that detour brought - the woman at the well.

If my faith is too straight, so to speak, its life is diminished. But when it runs true to course, that is, crooked all over the place, it lives, brightly, mysteriously, with plenty of detours into unknown lands and strange places. But what bounty awaits in such twists and turns ... maybe a small discovery, or maybe a life-altering experience.

For me, I'd say: "Don't look for the straight lines, at least when it comes to faith."