Liberals! I love them, too! On another post I talked of my love for Democrats, so I feel it is appropriate to talk about liberals. Not all Democrats are liberals and vice versa, as I understand it. Right now, the liberal wing of the Democratic Party is driving the bus, however. It must be difficult to be in the minority, even in your own party! So bear with me, as I have lots to learn. If I misspeak, it is not on purpose.
Yesterday, I spent most of the day with my renovating contractor here at my house in Paradise. I know you have heard the term "character." He is that in spades! He also has character to add to his attributes! Funny, intelligent, creative, caring and totally kind describe him. He is a "can do" person, a self-made businessman. I love that he laughs easily, picks up stray animals and finds them homes, drops everything to help his friends and family. He is beginning to sound like a saint from my description, right? Well, his heart is huge and tucked into his big, old heart is a foundation in liberalism.
Liberal background 101 was his main course in life. Although not born there, California was the place he lived many years. Not just any town in the Golden state, but San Francisco! He was immersed for many years in the pool of liberalism. Can you imagine the culture shock of coming to live in Texas! And not liberal Austin, but conservative, Bible-believing Lampasas! Our home grown Democrats must have seemed like a throw back to him. However, he does not easily affiliate with a political party. His opinions are rather about issues like being "green," racial equality and women's rights. He speaks fondly and reverently about "Mother Earth," commenting often on her power, as in Hurricane Sandy changing the course of men's lives. He loves that I recycle, he appreciates my love of nature, the land and the value I place on my home place. My opinions are respected and my Biblical perspective is listened to (at least he has a curious look on his face!).
Yesterday, we spent quite some time (as we worked around here) talking about the election. He is not a gloater or a "ha, too bad, you lost" kind of person. So finally, the conversation got to one of my favorite topics: Israel! We talked some about Genesis and the origin of God's select people, and how now we are included with them. It was good to share history of God's Word and to point out how His plan includes us today. Sort of got stopped up a little on world peace, which he truly believes is attainable, and that we can make nations love us by just being kind. So, I got to share my favorite bumper sticker, too: "Pray for Whirled Peas." I love that!
Thank you for letting me share thoughts about my friend. He is about as liberal as they come. The only fiery (?) part of our discussion was about abortion. He is so gentle, loving and kind that is difficult for me to understand his lack of compassion for the unborn. And I told him just that. He started rattling off talking points about white men in suits telling a woman what she can do with her body! I'm working on that. The death penalty is on the list of future topics, too!
So, why am I telling you all this? I just wanted you to see what I saw in him. He is one of the best people I know. And while we disagree on many points, we found areas of common belief. I pray that it is there we can meet and have an eternal dialogue. He deserves to hear all the "good news!" And I'll bet he is posting somewhere in his mind a story about his crazy conservative, Bible toting, gun loving, answered prayer believing client and friend!
If you have time, I would love to hear about your liberal friends. And if some of you are liberal, I would love to hear your story. Because, like Billy Graham never fails to tell us, "God loves you!"
I love this passage from 2 Timothy 3:13-17"....you must keep on believing the things you have been taught. You know they are true for you know you can trust those of us who have taught you. You know how, when you were a small child, you were taught the Holy Scriptures; and it is these that make you wise to accept God's salvation by trusting in Christ Jesus. The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God's way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone."
Pray: Father, fill us today with Your Holy Word, so that we can give it out through the Holy Spirit.
Amen
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