"The world is indeed full of peril and in it there are many dark places. But still there is much that is fair. And though in all lands, love is now mingled with grief, it still grows, perhaps, the greater." ~ J.R.R. Tolkien.
I would like for you to re-read the above quote again, but this time read it aloud, slowly. Chewing on each and every word. Alright. After doing so, did you taste the mixture of flavors that came together brilliantly? Such a triumphant palette to consume. Tolkien penned these words many many years prior and yet how the more for today. There has never been such a time as this for us to rise and take notice of our brothers/sisters around us. We are all created equal and in the image of God. How can we not choose Love for hate? Peace for destruction? Grace for hatred?
Friends, the time is now! Take a look around you. Take heed of your neighbor. Co-worker. Church member. Friend. Look deep into their eyes and what do you see? Are they hiding behind a mask of false pretense? Do they smile their pain away? Is there a need to be met? Take a step outside of your comfort zone and reach out a hand of humility, grace, and trust. Breathe compassion into their broken lives. Love them. Just as Christ has loves us.
And the Lord said, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me..... I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25: 35-36 & 40 NIV
