You're really talking about the "nuts and bolts" level of caring for people. Interesting that we'll send a missionary around the world (as we should) but ignore the simple needs of someone right in front of us.
When I first read your article, I thought, "How far do we have to take this?"
C.S. Lewis once said something like if you could see the person in front of you as God sees him through Christ, you would be tempted to fall on your knees and worship that person.
I wish I could remember that when I'm tempted to dismiss someone based on appearance or ability.
As sad as it is, I suspect it comes down to the simple fact thay "they" make us uncomfortable.
Who's "they"?
Anyone who's different, who forces us out of our comfort zone, who requires some kind of altered approach.
This past weekend I spoke at a retreat--one of the guys had a rare illness that causes inappropriate vocalizations at times. Now remember that I'm in a wheelchair, that I depend on accommodations and grace, that I should get it. And still I had to work to avoid feeling irritated during the first session because my wonderful words were interrupted!
Isn't that pathetic?
God reminded me of something important--IT'S NOT ABOUT ME!
He was a good guy with a big heart, and we had a couple of interesting conversations. He isn't his illness; he's a child of God.
Why is that so hard to get through my thick skull?
The words are important--but the fact that someone bothered to think about them is what really matters.
I'd like to see individual churches honestly discuss the question, "Do we really WANT to be inclusive?" I suspect that if most of us were truly honest, we'd be surprised by our answers.
I also wonder if "inclusive" extends to someone with lots of tattoos and piercings? Someone who's homeless and maybe a little dirty or smelly? Someone who doesn't dress or look or behave like us? Do we really want "those kinds of folks" in our churches?
Posted in: Churches Need to Address Allergies and Sensitivities
You're really talking about the "nuts and bolts" level of caring for people. Interesting that we'll send a missionary around the world (as we should) but ignore the simple needs of someone right in front of us.
When I first read your article, I thought, "How far do we have to take this?"
The answer, of course, is "As far as Jesus went."
Rich Dixon
Posted in: A Little of God's Work in Kenya
What can I say except "BRAVO."
Here's a blog with a great visual about combining "talk" and "action." Thanks for inspiring people to do both!
http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/on-hustling/
Posted in: Inclusive and Loving Communities Start with Us
C.S. Lewis once said something like if you could see the person in front of you as God sees him through Christ, you would be tempted to fall on your knees and worship that person.
I wish I could remember that when I'm tempted to dismiss someone based on appearance or ability.
Posted in: Why Do We Have a Limited Idea of "Diversity"?
As sad as it is, I suspect it comes down to the simple fact thay "they" make us uncomfortable.
Who's "they"?
Anyone who's different, who forces us out of our comfort zone, who requires some kind of altered approach.
This past weekend I spoke at a retreat--one of the guys had a rare illness that causes inappropriate vocalizations at times. Now remember that I'm in a wheelchair, that I depend on accommodations and grace, that I should get it. And still I had to work to avoid feeling irritated during the first session because my wonderful words were interrupted!
Isn't that pathetic?
God reminded me of something important--IT'S NOT ABOUT ME!
He was a good guy with a big heart, and we had a couple of interesting conversations. He isn't his illness; he's a child of God.
Why is that so hard to get through my thick skull?
Rich Dixon
http://www.richdixon.net/bouncingback/
Posted in: Language in Worship Can Welcome or Push Away
The words are important--but the fact that someone bothered to think about them is what really matters.
I'd like to see individual churches honestly discuss the question, "Do we really WANT to be inclusive?" I suspect that if most of us were truly honest, we'd be surprised by our answers.
I also wonder if "inclusive" extends to someone with lots of tattoos and piercings? Someone who's homeless and maybe a little dirty or smelly? Someone who doesn't dress or look or behave like us? Do we really want "those kinds of folks" in our churches?
I'm pretty convicted by my own answers.
Rich Dixon