I recently posted on Facebook a simple sentence.
“I’ll marry you AND bake your cake.”
This was in response to, of course, the big question about whether or not Jesus loves cake.
And while I’m happy to talk about just how much Jesus loves cake, I was struck by one of the comments made.
“Ok so how do we make more of your kind and get rid of all those other evil religious types? Lol.”
What followed was a brief but great exchange (I blacked out the poster’s name only to respect that these comments were posted on Facebook and should remain there. Also, please note my typo in our exchange and bask in my humanity! Lastly, I really respect folks who are willing to have dialog and go deeper in vulnerable spaces life Facebook, where everyone can see what you write- I have gratitude for this person and the conversation we shared in a public space.)
The world would be a much better place if we talked more to people face to face. And I know I am better priest, mother, wife, friend, and human when I spend time with people with whom I have significant differences. And, because I have spent time with “these people” they cease to be “these people” and they become God’s people. And #Godspeoplearemypeople is always true in my heart, even if it can be difficult in my head. God’s people are my people.
“Relationship building is important now more than ever” to quote myself (and I’m sure many other people who have figured this out). “Meet face to face, break bread together, share more than what it is that you believe in.” And I’ll add here, “share who you are and love who they are: beloved children of God.”
To quote Henri-Frederic Amiel
amma mama 