Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Build a Bridge

People today are hungry for love, which is the only answer to loneliness and great poverty. In some countries there is no hunger for bread. But people are suffering from terrible loneliness, terrible despair, terrible hatred, feeling unwanted, helpless, hopeless. They have forgotten how to smile, they have forgotten the beauty of the human touch. They are forgetting what is human love. They need someone who will understand and respect them.
Mother Teresa


Build a bridge. Get over it. I confess. I’ve uttered this phrase once or twice (or a dozen times). I’m not proud of that. I can tell you that when I’ve spoken these words, patience, understanding and compassion were far from my heart—even if I said them in (sardonic) jest. I can also tell you looking back I don’t really like the person I am when I call forth less than compassionate statements such as this. But does that stop me from doing it? No. Frustration is at times a byproduct of life—at least my life.

Truth be told though I would much rather build a spiritual bridge than a sarcastic bridge. I’ve written previously of my desire to be salt in a bland, hurting world; a light in the midst of darkness. This can only be accomplished by leading a lifestyle of faith as demonstrated by my conduct, speech and compassion for others. Simply put, my daily quest must be to live a righteous life, pleasing to God. After all, as a Christ follower there should be some resemblance of Jesus in me—a clear correspondence between HIS life and mine, don’t you think? My wholehearted desire is for my faith to result in works—not based on works mind you—works that are a tangible, living expression of the fruit of the Spirit—love, peace, patience, kindness, self-control, joy, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness.

Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, to all the people you can, in all the places you can, as long as you can.
John Wesley


Our hurting world needs evidence of God, now more than ever. Therefore, it is up to us—you and me—to demonstrate His power. This is easier said than done. Like everyone who has walked the face of this earth, with the exception of Jesus Christ of course, I am a sinner. I struggle daily to walk the walk as an ambassador of Christ. I try desperately to lead a life of integrity, compassion and peace. I know I can’t accomplish this on my own. I must be dependent on God for His wisdom, guidance and strength. I pray every day for His Holy Spirit to work within me, to mold me into His likeness, so I can live a life that is pleasing to Him.

Isaiah 64:8

8 Yet, O LORD, you are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.


After all, we—you and me—are the earthbound display of God’s glory. When He calls us into a love relationship with Him, He calls us to be like Him.

I don’t know about you, but I’m going to begin construction on a spiritual bridge or two today. Next door, down the block, across town, in my own family, halfway around the world, there are so many people and places in need of bridges. I better get to work!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

i'm so proud of you!
love you, debe