Reconcile, A Story: The Travelers, Part 1
In the bible, there is a section that describes social justice and peace, and how to get there. It says that whatever comfort, love, community, tenderness, and compassion you’ve received, pass it on by being like-minded, loving, and empathetic. Selfishness should be left behind in adopting compassion for others, being humble and willing to give up everything, which will result in joy, love, and the realization of peace. (Philippians 2.1-11)
There are five key words that describe the core of what it takes to reconcile with one another: Humbleness, like-minded, compassion, empathy, and love. The first four of these words lay the foundation for love – which is the truest reconciliation.
Let me explain.
Five travelers journeyed to a distant land, arriving to find culture and customs that felt awkward and even abrasive. These travelers were named Humble, Like-Minded, Compassion, Empathy, and Love. They entered a town, requesting directions to a place to sleep. The townsfolk felt cold and distant, even angry, when they gruffly said, “This town only has homes, no hotels.” Discouraged, the five travelers determined to keep journeying after they’d attained a bite to eat. “No restaurants here! We eat in our own kitchens.” Hungry, the travelers found they had just enough food to make it to the next town and began walking down the street.
A small child watched them walk with a puzzled face. Humble observed the child and stopped to question his bewilderment. The child asked, “Where are you going?” “We are headed to the next town to find a place to sleep, and something to eat.” The child’s scrutiny grew even deeper, “But why?!” Humble replied, “Well, there are no places for us to eat or sleep here.” This did little to reassure the child’s mind and his face contorted even more. “Ma’am you are mistaken! Every house has many rooms, and beds, and each kitchen has much food!” Humble thought to herself, “Perhaps I’m missing something here. This child seems so confident that there is a place for us.” The travelers returned to the first townsperson they met. “Sir, where do guests typically stay when they visit your town?” “Well, aren’t you all odd,” he replied, “In our homes, of course. Where else would they stay?” Humble smiled just a bit. “And may I inquire as to where your guests find food to eat?” The man shook his head and rolled his eyes, “You must be daft. Guests eat in our kitchens of course. Do you think we want you to grow and hunt your own food?”
May we all cultivate the humbleness to ask what we are missing.
(To Be Continued in Reconcile, A Story: The Travelers, Part 2)
Photo Credit: NappyStock, https://nappy.co/NappyStock
We are aware of the magnitude of this subject matter and the inadequate brevity of this post. For more, please reference our podcasts, our 1Community groups, or feel free to email us at Uniquelythesame@mission1race.org.
We also wish to address our inability to consider issues of sexual, physical, emotional, and spiritual abuse in our discussions on developing understanding and oneness. If you are in an abusive situation of any kind, we encourage you to seek professional and other help; and to realize that this content does not necessarily apply to your circumstances.