When I first saw this book on the shelf. I found the title to be clever and it interested me. I read some of the interviews and they captured my attention. I really didn't know what the whole book was about. Just a book about why people don't like Christians. But after I ordered it and read it. It was much more than what I expected. It delves into why the Good News, a message that brings salvation and hope, is dividing America.
In it, Dan Merchant interviews people from both sides of the spectrum; conservatives, liberals, gays, missionaries and everyday people on the street. Having a open discussion without one person trying to speak louder than the other. I really got to see both sides of the discussion, and really made me stop and think.
I would love to keep going on about the book, which is a good read for anyone, but I would like to talk about how the book challenged me. In one of the chapter, Dan interviews Sister Mary Timothy, a man part of the Order of Queer Nuns. He explain about his past and about how he feels about christian. It really got me thinking...how am I treating gays and lesbians? Am I sharing the love of Christ? I'll admit, I have partaken in coarse joking about gays. I have given into my fears of what they are and what they might do. But after reading the book, it shows that they are people.It shows that we all want the same thing. Love. It's their life and they choose it, but what can I do? I can't do anything but love. How do I love? Not with words and signs, Nor with bumper stickers and clever quotes. Have I even actually gotten know them or have a discussion with them. No, not really. Dan Merchant did, and he did very nice job of it too. It really made reflect on how I judge people, and put up a barrier between me and other people because of my fears.
All in all, it really convicted me on how am I showing love to others. Jesus didn't just say "I love you and want to pray for you" He did it with actions. healing and human touch. It's much more then prayer. Yes, praying is essential in my walk with Christ, it allows me to have communion with God. Jesus prayed all the time. But I need to show love, it's important. I want love and I'm sure everyone else does. Love is important. It's like one of my christian brother says "It's like having the cure for cancer but we're sitting on it." Which I am guilty of. I have honestly haven't shared the love. I speak for my self when I say that sometimes I do forget about the greatest commandment.
Matthew 22:37-40 "Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”"And really get caught up in being right. I am a sinner like everyone else. My sins are no less severe than anyone's else, nor is it more severe. Sin is equal. I need to remember from where I started. This book really made me think about who I am in Christ and to take a personal inventory of who I am. I want to be more willing to share the love instead of giving into fear.
And you know? We all have a story to tell. No one is without a story.
