Recently, I learned of a woman who fled her homeland with her children. However, even as they fled from the violence the mother grew anxious. Would she be able to find shelter? Could she secure sufficient food for her family after they arrived?
Still in the days and weeks that followed – and through receiving assistance from people of faith – the necessary housing and groceries came through. Overwhelmed by the generosity of those whom she had never met before, humbled by the kindness extended by people she did not know, she received all this as nothing less than the handiwork of God.
Of late, I’ve read articles attesting to the importance of those who profess to follow Christ – to remember that Jesus started a movement. Yes, there are incidents of those whom he had healed “worshipping” him and yes, his closest disciples and others were in awe of how his presence and power could co-exist with such humility. However, Jesus never issued “worshipping” him as a commandment. Instead his words to his disciples then as now are, “Follow me.”
What if Jesus not only started a movement, but by doing so radically altered the lives of those engaged in it? What if Jesus not only challenged the institutions, policies and practices that perpetuated wanton violence, greed and scapegoating BUT was equally if not more invested in completely changing the mindset of his followers? What then?
Imagine if those closest to us – those who’ve seen us at our crabby, obnoxious, self-centered worse – might catch a glimpse of the holy even in the likes of us? OK, so it is a brief moment. But imagine if a better, nobler and more genuine reflection of our God-given self were to emerge? No, not a holier than thou, tiresome, self-righteous kind of person, but one who genuinely strives to be a follower of Christ Jesus. Who despite the rampant cruelty and gluttonous self-interest that continues to be unleashed, takes a different path. Who practices deeds of mercy and kindness. Who knows that all of God’s children need to be loved as dearly as our own.
Imagine if others could catch a glimpse of the holy even in the likes of us.
Imagine becoming nothing less than the handiwork of God.
Lovely! an inspiration to live into the belief that I am indeed, nothing less than the handiwork of God! Thank you, Jessica.
On Wed, Jan 30, 2019 at 12:31 PM The Spiritual Activist wrote:
> Jessica McArdle posted: ” Recently, I learned of a woman who fled her > homeland with her children. However, even as they fled from the violence > the mother grew anxious. Would she be able to find shelter? Could she > secure sufficient food for her family after they arrived? St” >
Thank you, Susan. Indeed, you nothing less than God’s beloved handiwork. Blessings and more to you this day!