It's been awhile since I have blogged because I decided to take the summer to concentrate on my latest project which was learning to become a revolutionary. This summer a group of us got together and studied and discussed what it means to truly love people. We even came up with a few projects to help those in our community. A love revolution. What was unique about this group was the fact that we were so diverse in our ages, interests, etc. Yet, we were able to work and enjoy being together. We learned from one another and we respected one another.
I have to admit that all the debate about the building of the Muslim Mosque has been a little irritating to me. Mostly because at heart I am a peacemaker, and I don't like to enter into these debates because it means I must venture out of my comfort zone. My first glimpse of this subject was spread out in one of the latest issues of Newsweek. I will admit that my first thought was quite negative concerning the building of this mosque. After much soul-searching, I realized that my thoughts stemmed from ignorance and fear.
FEAR. People like Hitler ruled out of FEAR. I will never forget walking up those attic steps behind the bookcase in Amsterdam. It was life-changing. I was visiting the temporary home of Anne Frank, my childhood hero, a girl with woman like wisdom. She was a victim of fear and religious persecution. That day changed my life forever. My heart was filled with love and compassion for all mankind. What does Anne Frank have to do with the Muslim Mosque? Everything!
I do not claim to be an expert on this subject, but simply stated, how would I feel if someone denied me my religious freedom because of the ignorant actions of someone who claimed to be a Christian? (i.e. people who bomb abortion clinics) I do not believe terrorists are behind the building of the Muslim Mosque near Ground Zero. There are already two Mosques in the area, and have been there for many years from what I understand. Perhaps I will eat my words, but I am willing to take that chance.
Recently one of my friends shared this story - I hope he does not mind me taking liberty to use it. "I went to an Arab grocery the other day after it was recommended that I HAD to try their bread. So I went and checked it out and the recommendation was right. WOW, for the br...ead. I got this stone-oven flat-bread type stuff. As big as a garbage can lid. I said, "How much?" The lady told me, "Nothing today, you come back again, today for free." I kept thinking of the verse in the Bible that says, "I was hungry and you gave me bread." Then I thought, who have I given bread to lately??? ...Oh yeah, that would be MYSELF."
Ohhhhhh.....OUCH. Do you feel the pain? Truth hurts.
Another quote:
The fact that Fox News anchors back the President on this simply highlights how utterly ugly and odious the campaign against the Mosque has become.
The opposition is all based on lies, misinformation, religious bigotry, hatred and lack of respect for our constitution.
This is one of the most impressive and commendable things our president has done.
With no political benefit to be had and with considerable political risk, he had the personal courage and moral leadership worthy of a Nobel Peace Prize winner.
NYC mayor Bloomberg compared him to George Washington who wrote a famous letter supporting the building of a Jewish synagogue.http://thinkprogress.org/2010/08/14/peter-king-gz-mosques/
The opposition is all based on lies, misinformation, religious bigotry, hatred and lack of respect for our constitution.
This is one of the most impressive and commendable things our president has done.
With no political benefit to be had and with considerable political risk, he had the personal courage and moral leadership worthy of a Nobel Peace Prize winner.
NYC mayor Bloomberg compared him to George Washington who wrote a famous letter supporting the building of a Jewish synagogue.http://thinkprogress.org/2010/08/14/peter-king-gz-mosques/
I am thankful that my President (whom I did not vote for) stood up and protected the constitution. I am thankful for freedom of religion. We can't like it sometimes, and other times not. "My country, tis of thee, sweet land of liberty!"
Matthew 24:12 talks about the days when the love of many will grow cold. I have been thinking about that a lot lately. Who is Jesus talking about? I hope I am not one of them. As a Christian, I believe it's time to stop pointing out what we are against, (Judgement) and start showing people what we believe is right. (Love)
