With that warning I am going to get right into it: we, "the church" are slacking. I am tired of having to fight about religion, I am tried of hiding behind mask, I am tired of the lying and cheating, I am tired of the debates. The debates that get people so caught up in theology that they simply can't see past it. I was recently introduced to a new debate: the Christmas tree. This one blew my mind. There are actually people at a Private Christian college, who sit around at dinner time and debate on whether or not Christmas trees are good or evil. This is a real thing and people spend the entire dinner time talking about it. Personally, debating over theology is pointless. Sure, its nice to know things about Jesus and have your own opinions about things. I have taken two Bible classes and I learned a lot from both, my teacher was nothing short of a genius and the new discoveries blew my mind. However, I am not going to argue about it because arguing with a fellow "Christian" about whether He will come back with fire or ice, whether Christmas Tress are right or wrong will not get me into heaven. It may however, push other people away from ever wanting to become a Christian.
I became a christian when I wasn't at church, I was in another country-- loving people. I wasn't arguing with someone about something, nor was I in a church pew. I was sweaty, dusty and with a bunch of strangers, but that's when it happened. I guess, that is why my heart is so burdened by things like this. I don't really know how to gather my words for this post, its tough.
We are called to love one another. We are called to love the orphans and the widows. We are called to love the least of these. But are we? Are we really? Or are we just doing enough to get by? Are we just doing something during the Holidays. Guys, these people are still homeless even in January, February, March and for the remainder of the year. They aren't just lonely during the holidays. They need to know that there are people out there who love them. That there is a creator who loves them, just the way he made them. I read all of these books about loving people and serving, but I fail at it most of the time. Actually, I fail at it everytime. I don't love as much as Jesus loves, I only wish that I did. I try to.
I met a family at the homeless shelter about 4 months ago, a momma, a 9 year old and a 7 year old. They were relocating with no car and no shelter until they found this particular homeless shelter. I made sure to see them every week, to make sure that they knew that someone thought about them, prayed for them and loved them. A few weeks ago I got a phone call saying that there was a chance they may have an apartment. I worried about how they would pay rent, lights and get furniture. I went by to see them that day at the shelter and she ecstatically told me all about it and while jumping up and down she said, "it free rent and fully furnished." Not sure of when things would come together or how, I left excited knowing that it would be taken care of. The anticipation built up for about two weeks && finally today we moved them into their apartment. A one bedroom, fully furnished apartment. The kiddos teacher, the PTO, the lady from Catholic Services, the lady from 'Momma's' school, a local church and a young girl who is broke came together and gave this family a home just in time for Christmas. We unpacked the apartment and as we finished the kiddos hung the ornaments on their great, big tree and kept saying, "momma, this is the first time we will have a Christmas tree." As I sat on the couch and looked around at the full kitchen, full fridge, full closets, and a tree with gifts wrapped underneath. I held back tears as I realized how well the body of Christ works together. I didn't meet any of the people who helped get them in their apartment, I don't know if any of us met one another, but we worked together. It wasn't a debate or a competition. It was just love.
That is what it is all about. I could care less if you have a tree in your house, if Santa comes, if you think the world will end in fire or if you think the world will end in ice. I could care less if you think Jesus was born in April or December. I could care less if you have a bad history. I could care less if you are a different color or shape than me. I could care less if you are rich or poor. I could care less if you think worship should be a uniform 4 songs or if you think twirling flags during a 5 hour worship set is for you. What I care about is that you know that you are loved. I care about seeing you in heaven. I want you to know that not everyone feels the need to debate. Did Jesus sit down and debate over Christmas trees or when the world would end?
No, He simply loved His people.
My name is Callie, I am very passionate about people feeling equal and loved. I make mistakes and I fail daily. This blog is not written to glorify how I helped someone today. Its to glorify our creator who lined things up perfectly in order for His people to work together. This life isn't about me.
title: C. Sawyers
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