A Declaration of Love (Because Hate Doesn't Work)
Everyday, we go to war againWe assume we know so much more than themBefore we hear what they have to say.Headline breaks, we start to hate againCalling them names againWe give our peace away.+ The Brilliance, See the Love
There is a radical kind of grace that is rumbling underneath our feet, and it will eventually topple the violent rhetoric that currently seems louder and stronger. There's no epicenter to this rumbling; it's happening all around the world. It's quiet but strong, and it's being inhabited by single moms and CEOs, by pastors and priests, by imams and rabbis, by artists and construction workers. It's tearing something down even as it builds something up.Love isn't wishy washy or bland.Love isn't the flavor of the week.Love isn't free or cheap.Love is the gritty decision to ascribe unsurpassable worth to every single human being on planet earth, no exceptions (thanks to Greg Boyd for that unforgettable phrase). Love creates bridges between those who hate each other, and that isn't poetry - it's actual work that actual people are actually doing - and it's costly. Love dares to speak about injustice without demonizing people or people groups. Love elevates those who have been cast down - and it does so with a conscious, daily, moment-by-moment decision to see differently.Love isn't distracted by the need to be at the center. Love doesn't demand attention. Love shines the bright light of hope everywhere that darkness seems to be winning.Here are just a few organizations that I believe are embodying that kind of love:Preemptive Love CoalitionQuestscopeAce in the City One Million ThumbprintsOne2OneWe Welcome Refugees(Note: The above list was compiled by me: I simply think they embody the kind of love we need in the world. They don't necessarily endorse me, this blog, or any of my other work. I am simply endorsing them).There is a growing group of people who aren't interested in using hateful rhetoric to knock anyone down. We're interested in loving first, and asking questions later. We're interested in lifting up those who have been knocked down. Will you join us? Will you declare your love by adopting the following practices?
- Spreading stories of love and hope wherever and however you can.
- Listening to those you don't understand.
- Praying for those who you consider your enemies.
- Working hard for justice without demonizing any human being or people group.
- Lifting up those who are oppressed, left out, and marginalized.
In it together!
My work:
You can purchase These Good Words: 30 Days of Scripture and Reflection for .$99I host a weekly podcast. I wrote a book. I have a website. I am the pastor at a great little church. I am sometimes available to travel to hang with your tribe to help you all become more you. And yes, I do Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Oh, and if you’d like to stay up to date with my writing and events and such, you can subscribe to my email list. There. We’re all caught up.