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"I want to live like the truth is true, and go where love has not been found." ~Greg Boyle
Last night, as I listened to the news, something astonishing happened. There were two news stories -- back to back -- that found gems of human kindness and compassion in the midst of otherwise terrible events. One told how Al Letson, an African American reporter, put himself between a white nationalist and the anti-Fascist protesters who had begun to beat him up. When asked why he would protect someone who seeks to deny his humanity based on race, Letson said, "it doesn't matter to me if he doesn't see my humanity, what matters is that I see his."
The other story was of Jim McIngvale, a furniture store owner in Houston, who opened two of his stores to serve as shelters when he saw the level of devastation and need in his city. Now these stores are housing four hundred people. One of the many volunteers serving meals and helping out the storm refugees is a woman who moved to Houston just last week to start a new life. She lost her home twelve years ago to Hurricane Katrina. But instead of feeling bitter, she said this, "
I couldn't allow other people to go through [what I went through]. See, we didn't have no help. And now, if I could be a help to somebody, that's what I'm going to do."
In the midst of what can feel like a relentless barrage of news about division and hatred and war and natural disasters, may we remember that each one of us has the innate capacity to act with love and kindness toward friends and strangers. And, together, all of
these
actions will reveal God's promise that love is the most powerful force of all.
~ Amy Starr Redwine
"You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you."
~Matthew 5:48, The Message translation
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Ways we can help.
Come and pray for those impacted by the storms.
Provide support through the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance relief efforts.
Labor of Love: Conversation - Prayer - Processing
Labor Day Monday, September 4
6:30-8:00 pm - 7:00 pm Communal Prayer
Child Care Available
As the church in the world we are called to confront racism, hatred, fear, and division. To do this work well we need to care for one another, be with one another, pray for and with each other,
and
for our enemies. We will also offer prayers for those impacted by tropical storm Harvey. Join us on Labor Day evening as we do the work of God's people.
Harvey made landfall late Friday and early Saturday am as a category 4 hurricane, and though downgraded now to tropical storm status, remains dangerous as it continues to churn inland into Texas. Damage in and near Rockport and Port Lavaca, where the storm made landfall, was catastrophic.
PDA continues to be in touch with presbytery leadership in New Covenant, Mission, and South Louisiana Presbyteries. National Response Teams are being deployed into the affected regions when it is safe to do so.
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Centered in the Circle
Open to the World
11205 Euclid Avenue - Cleveland, Ohio 44106
216.421.0482
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