Called to LOVE

    My heart is heavy this morning, there are many flags that pepper our skyline, as of late- with the American Flag taking second stage.   I am called to remember the words of our forefathers, "In God we trust". I know that as a Christian I am called to LOVE with abandon. I am not called to judgement, I never want to cast the first stone.
    Remember when the elders brought the woman to Jesus and threw her at His feet?   Remember that they wanted to stone her for her sexual sin?   Remember that Jesus asked that "He who has no sin cast the first stone."     They all were able to see that they were not perfect---lets face it we all have sin.  I would even dare to say that most of us have some sort of sexual sin - repented and redeemed, or not.  So - mine is not to cast the first stone.  Mine is not to judge.  Mine is to love in truth. Yet, I can only love in the paradigm of truth that I understand and live by.
    I am called to love all people.  Every race, color, creed, trans everything - I am called to LOVE.  It is easy, really - just love everyone where they are and asked that I am loved where I am.  Can we all put down our fists and offer grace and mercy, love and life? - that is the message of Jesus - Love your God and love your neighbor as yourself (Mthw 22:36-40)  I am going to be honest, there are some things that are happening in society today that I dont understand.  My kids try to get me up to speed- but, I struggle with some of the new things that are happening.  Please dont hate me for that - I am trying to understand, trying to walk out this "living loved" with relentless and reckless abandon. I am sure there are things about my faith that others may not understand. In this place of love - we can set down the argument and the accusations, the judgement and the offesne - and we can be two people coming together to share our experiences, to laugh and to love each other - despite our differences.  We are all called to love- its what Jesus came to teach us- Love God, Love each other - thats easy isnt it? If we start slowly - with just two people- coming across the battlefronts- just two people meeting in the place of love - it could work, couldnt it? Dont hate me for being a Christian and I wont hate you for not being a Christian.  I will love you, and laugh with you and walk beside you and encourage you and hold your hand during hard times.  I will be a friend and a comrade - if you would allow it.
     So, how does all of this tie into Salty Sidewalks?  I believe in the transformative power of the Living Word of God - aka the Bible.  I believe that it does not come back void.  I believe it sets us free and releases us from bondage.  Lets face it - I believe in Jesus Christ and sing His praises for the transformation within my own heart and life.        
    We have such an amazing opportunity within this community to LOVE His world-----to reach out and let the Holy Spirit do His work, as we deposit salt throughout our world. We are called to love others  to Christ--we are called to spread the Gospel and speak of what He has done for each one of us.   I am encouraged that we have the capabilities to impact our communities, our towns, our states and our world through HIs LIVING word.  I am encouraged today that we get to love up on His world, with our arms, our hearts, and His word- one person at a time. Are you ready to answer the call to love? I hope so.