I have been wrestling with an issue for quite some time. It is a very complex and very pervasive in our human condition. But even more so in India. It all comes down to pride. The very thing that got Lucifer kicked out of God's kingdom. The very thing that separates us from God, and each other. Self.
Today I had another, of many experiences with this issue of "who is is better? Who makes up "us" and who makes up "them?" I get questions all the time why are you talking to that person? he is lower cast. Why do you let your children play with those children? they are bad. I get the looks when I let my precious baby be held and kissed by our dear friend the rickshaw-wallah. It's like I am watching my child roll around in feces and I don't care. Why do you let them come into your home, they are lower cast, uneducated and ignorant? They are a bad influence.
Every time it makes me angry. My heart gets heavy. It's not like this is only India's problem. I experienced in America to. I knew people that refused to go to Walmart cause "those" kind of people were always in it. Or church members that didn't want me to bring my interns from an risk program (that the church was sponsoring) to go to Sunday services, so they wouldn't mix with there own children. It made me just as mad. I know this is an anger that is from the Lord. But what do I do with it? How do I speak up in love and not shame people? But cause them to wrestle with there prejudices and choose love instead?
Jesus was accused of hanging with the utmost scum. And his response was that he came for the sick not the ones who thought they were already good enough.
But the ones who think they are already good enough are sick as well, they just don't know it. And this is not an issue that I can solve in one night , or at all.
For some reason God has given me this passion to reach out to people on the fringe. To treat everyone with the same amount of respect. To include everyone. Maybe that is one reason I am here. I have always been uncomfortable being a part of exclusive groups or being around people that are drawn to cliques. I just don't see Jesus interacting with people like this in his time. The kingdom of God is not exclusive, there are no hierarchies. There is no class. There is God and his creation. And he loves us all equally. "He sends his rain to fall on the righteous and unrighteous".
How I can communicate this to my friends in a way that inspires them to wrestle with it?
3 comments:
You go, girlie! Just by showing them that class/race doesn't matter I think will inspire some new radical thinking whether they act on it or not! I'm so proud of you, Watters!
i love reading your blog so i know what to expect in india, but this is a huge issue everywhere. thanks for being willing to rise above it. good "seeing" you last night!
Just you putting that idea into words helps! I've felt that way many times but for me I find myself being embarrassed for bringing "those" kids around and then feeling ashamed that I allowed myself to succumb to the attitude of those around me later. You are such an inspiration and I know your neighbors will be challenged through your non- judgmental actions- in a good way!
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