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Something Revolutionary

“Something revolutionary happens in the heart when you recognize that every single person you will ever meet is made in the image of God.” – Jackie Hill Perry

This can be a difficult statement to live. It is much easier to dislike, blame or even hate someone we see as an outsider, bad or even evil. But if we are going to change the world, this is how we do it. Every person we meet is made in the image of God. Everyone.

Not everyone will be our best friend. But we can see the image of God within them, even if they do not.

There is blessing that says,

I/we love you,.

I/we bless you.

I/we appreciate you.

I/we behold the Christ in you.

Some groups change that last line to “just the way you are. I still say “I behold the Christ in you”, because sometimes we cannot see the Christ, the presence of God within ourselves. We are beloved children created in the image and likeness of God. All of us. Whether we believe it or live like it.

The Friday Affirmation

There is joy and beauty in every day.

Let us affirm together. There is joy and beauty in this and every day.

Thoughts, Fear and Beliefs

“Nothing binds you except your thoughts; nothing limits you except your fear; and nothing controls you except your beliefs.” – Marianne Williamson

Even One Voice

When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful. —Malala Yousafzai

You may not be familiar with her name but Malala Yousafzai rose up as an advocate for education for girls in Pakistan at the age of 12. This couragous young girl just wanted to learn. For this she was shot in the head. But she survived and in 2014 she joined her family in the UK, graduating from Oxford University in 2020. She continues working for education and equality for women and girls.

God in the Simple Things

“I understand once again that the greatness of God always reveals itself in the simple things.” – Paulo Coelho

Living at the lake I see this truth demonstrated every day. The sunrise and sunset, the singing of birds, the presence of wildlife, the kindness of neighbors and the little girl who calls out “Hi Miz Genie,” all reveal the presence of God.

What simple things reveal the presence of God to you?

The First Step

“To bring about change, you must not be afraid to take the first step. We will fail when we fail to try.” — Rosa Parks

Many years ago I voluteered in a kindergarten classroom. I still remember how inspired the children were by the story of Rosa Parks. They all knew the story and could tell it. Her example of dignity and peaceful protest inspired them to be the best they could be even when faced with racism and bigotry. Ms Parks was a wayshower for those young children as an example of non violent protest. We never know who is watching us as we go through life and how it may influence them. Let us live as wayshowers shining our light out into the world.