A couple of weeks ago, I read through Blue Like Jazz in a few sittings. It's funny, until then, I hadn't heard too much about it, since then, I've heard lots (kind'a like when you buy a new car and all of a sudden that's the car you see the most on the streets.) Since I read it, I have heard a lot of dialogue on it mostly criticism, although I've also read quite a few people who appreciated it. Anyway, that's all really besides the point, I really enjoyed it. As you read you come accross morsels of truth and love said so plainly that you go, yeah, that's right. Ok, that's what happened to me, as I mentioned, others read it and only see a finger pointing at problems, but little in terms of solutions. Frankly, sometimes I feel like these people are reading with their eyes closed. But that's just my opinion. Over the next few days, I'm going to put in some of the things that although simple and not new, just resonated with my heart...
"Nobody will listen to you unless they sense that you like them...If a person senses that you do not like them, tha you do not approve of their existence, then your religion and you political (or any other ideas) will all seem wrong to them. If they sense that you like them, then they are open to what you have to say."
Like I said, simple, you knew that already. But here's the question, how has that changed your relationships? Especially with the difficult people in your life? I'm not speaking as one who's relationships are all perfect or who truly has loved everyone (especially) the hard to love (those who have attacke me directly and with intent to harm), as I should. Still, that's where Jesus says that Kingdom love really is powerful. I want to know that love and be a vessel that can carry it and pour it out.
Posted by ed