ALL People

The world is a tough place.  It became tough when sin entered. Simple truth, simple disobedience; great consequences; great sorrow. If you don't know Jesus or even hate Him, please keep reading. Remember it is my lens and you have your own.

The world today seems worse than before but that is lie. A simple study of history will show us that humanity has ebbed and flowed and struggled with the same cultural issues through the generations.   The Bible will tell us the same thing. Ecclesiastes 1:9: "What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun (read more here)."

I will not pretend to be a Biblical scholar nor an expert on social issues. What I'm burdened with though, is figuring out how to start conversations. I am beloved woman of God, wife of a police officer, mother of black and white children that wants discuss hard issues of faith, politics, women's rights (even as a pro-lifer), race, law enforcement, homosexuality, and much more. I'm lucky to be in a nation where I can worship what and whom I want. I am currently studying the gospel of John and  read this passage today. My favorite part: "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw ALL people to myself (emphasis mine).

Jesus is directly talking to his disciples at this time with others able to hear. The conversation started earlier in the passage when Greeks came up to Philip seeking Jesus. Up until this time, most of Jesus' ministry dealt specifically with Jews and Israel. And Jesus shifts the conversation to discuss his crucifixion. And He INCLUDES ALL PEOPLE. In case you need the definition of ALL: the whole amount, quantity, or extent of; as much as possible.

NO ONE is off limits for Jesus. Reading that, I am incredibly convicted about who I consider off limits. What topics I deem off limits to discuss because I don't want to offend friends that don't love Jesus and yet I don't want my voice silenced. Who will I not talk to out of fear? I believe Satan is winning this battle among Jesus lovers.  I want to talk with others' with different perspectives and lifestyles because I believe Jesus is for ALL people and wants all to come to Him (2 Peter 3:9)

Will YOU talk to me? The woman who loves and worships Jesus Christ, married to a police officer, raising multi-racial children, pro-woman and pro-life, lover of people and hates one thing, SIN. First and foremost, my own sin of pride, selfishness and self-righteousness.  Because here's the thing; I am not defined by any of my stances but simply on my identity in Christ. What thing on that list makes you think I'm ignorant, arrogant, or stupid? I say, let's start on those topics. I will NOT exclude you; will you include me?