Different is Good!

 Festivals promote diversity, they bring neighbors into dialog, they increase creativity, they offer opportunities for civic pride, they improve our general psychological well-being. In short, they make cities better places to live. –David Binder

 

This weekend is Pride Weekend in many cities, including mine. Some years, we have gone to watch the parade. One year, folks invited us to walk with their church group—so we did. And I am so grateful. I will always remember. . . .

A parade like this always looks different from the ranks than from the sidelines. From the sidelines, we never would have seen the Guardian Angels.

Every year, every Pride Parade draws groups that try to spread a vile message of hate from the sidelines. In Cleveland, they are required to have a permit, and are confined to a particular spot along the route (thank goodness).

And every time these folks show up with their messages of hate, the Guardian Angels bring Love.

Dressed in white, with what appear to be enormous wings spread, these loving people stand in silence, wingtip-to-wingtip, in front of the angry bunch, separating them from those targeted by their horrible rhetoric. And as they stand in silence, they pray. You can feel God’s holy Presence.

It doesn’t take a lot of money, time or energy to change the world. All it takes is a little courage—and a little Love. In the face of hatred, be the loving change your world needs.

Be involved. Be courageous. Be yourself. You can never go wrong with that one. Share God’s Love however you can.


Monday Pause today to take stock of how you are feeling about yourself and your life. It’s hard to change things outside yourself when your own spirit is troubled. Pray for guidance. Psalm 46:8-10

 Tuesday What is holding you back from feeling more free in Christ’s love? As we move closer to summer celebrations, pray for freedom for all. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Wednesday As you go about your day, listen to your gut. Is there someone around whom you feel uncomfortable? Pray, and offer a smile. Matthew 22:34-40

Thursday What have you got two (or three or more) of, that you could share with someone who has none? Pray for guidance and the desire to simplify your life. Luke 10:1-12

Friday Hot summer days can be deadly. As summer heats up, be aware of your neighbors. Pray for them—and move your feet. Help where you can. Colossians 4:2-6

Saturday As you focus on yourself today, ask God to guide your steps. Don’t ignore those little “hunches” that might take you off your To-Do List. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-22

Sunday Today, let your heart be light! Be grateful for God’s joy in your heart, today and every day, and be generous in sharing that joy with others. Psalm 15

Disciplining yourself to do what you know is right and important, although difficult, is the high road to pride, self-esteem, and personal satisfaction. –Margaret Thatcher

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