Issue 1: Good News
In order to combat the negative images and stories we are bombarded with, I will create this space for a monthly post on how the love of Jesus Christ is alive in my life and how I see Christ’s light working amidst a world of darkness.
Love One Another
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I have been visiting a local nursing home with my 2 year old dog, Tater Tot. I have performed work with therapy dogs before in schools, churches, libraries, and nursing homes, but I am astounded at the love shared between Tater and the residents with whom we visit. I believe we as humans can learn a lot from other animals. I believe dogs have the ability to love unconditionally which is what we are called to do. Tater visits the nursing home once a week, and continues to bring light into a seemingly dark place. In the parable of the Good Samaritan we are encouraged to “love our neighbor.” (Luke 10:25) In this story, Christ challenges the lawyer’s interpretation of who our neighbor is! We might be comfortable with our geographic neighbor, our family members, and people who are “like us.” But, do we interact in meaningful ways with people who are less visible, less popular, less like us? In the parable, it was a Samaritan who acted like a neighbor to a Jew even though cultural laws forbade interaction between these groups. A priest and Levite both passed up the opportunity to help this troubled sojourner. We are called to think broadly about who our neighbor is and treat them with love and respect. Tater Tot, a stray we picked up along the side of the road, is genuinely excited to visit the Nursing Home. Her light shines brightly in the midst of forces of darkness such as illness, loneliness, and preparation for death. Let us use her example to illustrate that Jesus calls us to love and respect our neighbor — whomever that person is or what part of a journey they are currently traversing. Let’s all strive to be more like Tater and let the light and words of Christ radiate from our cores with unconditional love and respect for all, especially those who society has forgotten. Blessings to each of you on your journey!
“Have no fear, nor be troubled, but in your hears reverence in Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in your, yet do it with gentleness and reverence; and keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are abused, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing right, if that should be God’s will, than for doing wrong.” 1 Peter 3:14–17
