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Tag: Lawrence Kansas
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Remembering 9/11
The Most Rev'd Frank Griswold, former Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, wrote this prayer in remembrance of September 11, 2001.
"God the compassionate one, whose loving care extends to all the world, we remember this day your children of many nations and many faiths whose lives were cut short by the fierce flames of anger and hatred. Console those who continue to suffer and grieve, and give them comfort and hope as they look to the future. Out of what we have endured, give us the grace to examine our relationships with those who perceive us as the enemy, and show our leaders the way to use our power to serve the good of all for the healing of the nations. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord who, in reconciling love, was lifted up from the earth that he might draw all things to himself. Amen."
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Beyond Civility
Recently, I have found myself in the midst of conversations regarding the President's speech to the nation's students
and the President's health care proposal. Some of those conversations became heated and the need for civility became obvious.Sunday's reading from the Letter of James is a word of wisdom that offers something even better than civility.
How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell. For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue– a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. – James 3:1-12
This wisdom takes Christians beyond "civil" discourse, which is a good thing, into another level of conversation wherein our words can be a blessing to others. If only I can remember that the same tongue I use to bless God should be used to bless those who are created in God's image!
I wonder if I can apply this wise insight the next time I become involved in a conversation about a controversial topic. My viewpoint may not be the one that changes another person's mind. But my blessing might change that person's life.