A New Way of Life

There’s a startling meme at the begining of this blog.  I’m coming back to it,  really!!

Being a Christian is not just about what we believe – it is a way of life! We’ve been talking about this at Holy Cross as we are in a season we are calling, “Loving our Neighbors Near and Far”. We are trying to move beyond the meme. You know what a meme is? – One of those pithy statements on a picture that is also pretty pointed that people post on Facebook or Instagram. It’s a ‘thought for the day’ – but usually with a twist or a nudge.  Sometimes its downright meanspirited. I’ve included one with this blog that gets my attention!

What if we stopped living for the meme moment?  What if we spent less time ‘liking’ comments other people made and spend more time living a life of love? Yes, I’ll be first in line for that – at least today.

Cause you know, its easy to fall into the ‘slough of simple’ – you know “Love your neighbor- no exceptions” speaks volumes but it really doesn’t speak nearly as well as your actions do when you show up to be trained to work at the Warming Shelters that will open this winter in our town.  (Or one of any number of service projects that are available to you and me today, and every day).

I asked 5 of the best givers I know to talk at Holy Cross this fall – people who give of their time, their talent, their treasure, but who know the secret of 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteouness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, wh””ich will produce thanksgiving to God through us.” Giving is contagious. It spreads hand to hand, though, not word by word.  The example of the 5 best givers I know speaks volumes through their actions.

Joyce Saul. Steve and Naomi Tweet. Daphne Bentson. Loran Sell. Giving. I’ts what’s changing the world.

And just one more quote – from my dad, Dallas Wolf, “The difference between being stingy and being generous is usually just a few dollars. Spend the few dollars.”

Bless you all.