Today’s Reflection
It seems I often had a foot in two different worlds. One black. One white. The two worlds were very different yet also alike. Even as a youngster, I wondered why skin color should make a difference in how we treat one another.
Throughout my life, I have tried to live my mother’s mantra: Do not take on another’s hatred. What wonderful wisdom! Like her, I have found that the best way to change a person’s prejudice is to model a Christlike life. Only then are we able to rise above bitterness, anger, and revenge. After all, God is the Creator of us all, no matter the color of our skin.
—Lucimarian Roberts, My Story, My Song: Mother-Daughter Reflections on Life and Faith (Upper Room Books, 2012)
Today’s Question
How do you show God’s love for all people? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another.
—1 John 4:11 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
Dear God, this week we thank you for mothers and other people who have shown us the value of faith and singing songs of praise to you. Help us to pass on the lessons they have taught us and to demonstrate grace toward others. Amen.
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Something More
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Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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2 Comments
I try to respect all people knowing that there are positive and negative aspects that all humans have. No one is perfect. The most tolerant people I met were the international students who had experienced different cultures, races, orientations, and religions. Mark Twain’s saying about the value of travel was embodied in these students. In that spirit I wish all Mothers a Happy Mother’s Day! Where would we be without you?
Only with reliance upon the Holy Spirit can I hope to share God’s love as He would have me do. Demonstrating respect, listening well, valuing the other’s voice…these are ways we can exhibit Christ-like love.
Spent the day with Becky, her two sons, dad and Don. Pizza and card playing – our MO. Also, watching golf and playoff basketball. Got home in time to take a walk. Had chicken thighs in the crock pot – so I will have several suppers and lunches this week – with pulled chicken.
The plan is to return to tennis competition tomorrow evening. We are missing a few of our younger, stronger players, so I am forced to play up. The good thing is my partner is young and strong – a really good player. We played a few times this spring and had success. Will depend on the competition. Her partner is around her age – late 20s…and big and strong. Hopefully my experience and off pace will frustrate the opposition, especially if they are younger and blasters.
Three weeks remaining of school. Found out two colleagues have tested positive for Covid. Just two weeks ago I stopped wearing a mask at school. I’m not sure what I am going to do tomorrow.
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