Equality

Our series of Wednesday night meetings with Doug Shoemaker continued last night. The subject was equality. Similar to the peace testimony, the idea that all men are created equal seems to be a given. Of course we believe in peace and equality, but what does that really mean to us and how can we best articulate and convey these ideas? We found out, or I did, that it's just not so easy to do. When you start digging deeper you begin to see the complexity and then the confusion that usually follows. Sometimes we think we believe one way but upon further examination we find out we have emotions connected to these ideas that we never even knew were there. We talked about equality between the sexes and race relations and although Doug is a stickler for keeping a tight schedule, this was the first discussion he let run over the allotted hour. I believe he sensed that further attention needed to be given to the subject and allowed us a little more time to work through our ideas and feelings.

Like anything else we do in our lives, our spiritual walk is one that needs time and attention in order to develop and grow. We must practice our religion. I feel like these Wednesday night meetings have really given me new insight into what I believe and why. Even though many times we raise more questions than we answer, it is still is a worthwhile endeavor. In this busy world we don't always take the time to have these discussions and we often assume too much. It is difficult to talk about certain subjects because they may be touchy an we want to be careful with our words so as not to be misunderstood. But is anything really worthwhile ever really easy? Like raising a child or planting a garden, it's a process.

As always, Doug based his discussion on Biblical principals and left us with the clear understanding that if you do have a concern and that concern turns into strong negative feelings then you are headed in dangerous direction. (I think it was Bob that said that) We believe that Gods spirit is poured out on ALL people and that we shall not call ANY man or woman impure or unclean. And while all of our opinions may not be equal, or value is. We all have great potential and our spiritual capacity is equal. God calls you when you call out to him. When you see others through the heart of love that God has given you, the world looks like a very different place.This world is a spiritually hungry and thirsty place, and as disciples of Christ we are his hands and feet. Nothing should bring us more joy than sharing Gods love with others. And in order to do that we have to first find his love within us, we must nurture it and develop it, practice it and then we don't even have to display it. That part just happens. And that is the beautiful part of being a Christian, when his light shines through you because of all of the inner work you have done. Our God is so faithful, yet every time he comes through my joy is always overflowing.