I Need Your Help!

What a week it has been for examining our differences! From parenting choices to same-sex marriages, it’s been a week to stick your flag in one side’s camp and shout it from the rooftops.

I’ve said before, I don’t have a problem with people having convictions. I have quite a few of them myself. But, my heart hurts when cruelty accompanies convictions. And, if all you do is watch the news, you’ll think the two are inseparable.

While I know love is God’s nature, it doesn’t appear to be our human nature. When we are not intentional, we seem to default to berating those who think and act differently than we do. We so easily dissociate ourselves from those with whom we disagree. We speak from pain, insecurity and fear instead of love. And, we contribute to the story of separateness and cruelty that is told in mainstream media.

But, I know a different story is weaving its way through our world, a story of radical love and unending grace. This story has been unfolding for hundreds of years and it’s breaking forth all around us, everyday. Love is winning.

I want to shine a light on that story in this space. I will share my heart on the subject, but what I really want, what I’m longing for, is YOUR story.

Are you in a close relationship with someone with convictions different from your own? Are you planning to vote for one candidate this fall, but still committed to radically loving those that vote for the other one? Have you found a way to successfully disagree without vilifying? What do you do to see beyond differences when you meet someone new?

I’m not looking for easy, light choices to love. I’m looking for messy stories, tales of uncomfortable grace. I know they exist. I know you all are a part of the story.

Please, oh please, won’t you consider sharing your part of the story here in a guest post? Will you tell others about this and encourage them to tell their story? Together, we can shine a light on a different story and encourage others to write new pages in our tale.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Email your story to me (jennifer@everybreathitake.com). I won’t limit your words (though if it’s a long story I may break it into several pieces). There is no time limit. I will use this space to tell your stories for as long as you continue sending them to me.

2. Tweet this post and share it on Facebook.

3. Email a link to this post to someone who has inspired you with their radical love and ask them to share. (I’m doing that, too – Nena and Gail, I’m coming for the story of your friendship!)

We are all different, but our need for love and grace is universal. Let’s shine a light on that! Thank you so much for helping me!