The other morning I wrote about what makes our community viable, authentic and loving. I posted 4 points or traits. I realized that perhaps I needed to expound on them. Why? Because I think we get inundated with “bullet” points and tainted with language and its usage. The over use of words has dumbed down the meaning. It has reduced our understanding and caused us to be casual. Add in our potential for “been there done that” thinking that leads us to “next” and too often we miss the point.

So, let me break out the first one today. “We welcome new people. To have what people want and to carry the heart of the Father and to welcome all of them. People come to be involved. We must welcome them.”

As I watch rioting break out in Baltimore, I see the parting of understanding, as sides move back into their volatile positioning.I watch unbelievers and believers choosing (As if it is a fight.)the side of their heart. The inability to accept another’s position or dialog a thought process. The media posts its frenzied appeal for “something”, anything. Just let it last until the next big thing…

Completely devoid of welcome or acceptance.

The church was and is called to greater things. No more “prophe-lies” about a great darkness. Where is the life? The light? The life? In the words of a great senator, “Do you know who I am?” We should be overcoming the media with life. The community with vitality and light. And the media will either follow or be left behind. Stop gaining angst over a cake. Gain victory through the bread!

Connectivity. That is what people are seeking. Crying out for. “Would we have reality shows, if people were connected? If they were real?”

I am tired of “prophetic acts” designed to demean, denigrate and disrespect.

Why do welcome? Because He did! We can! We carry the light. We are children of the light. We have no fear of darkness. Darkness does not and can not prevail. Have you seen a light that could not light up darkness? We can welcome, because He welcomed us.

When Jesus tipped over tables, He was setting an example of how to be angry. He was saying “in my Father’s House”. He was not talking about our present day sanctuary or meeting place. (Though it could!) He was talking about you! And I! “Do you not know you are the temple of the Holy Ghost?” Let us be all that we can be. Tip over the tables of requirement and price. Those were paid for in His death! Remove them from our lives. Loose the conditions of entry!

We carry the heart of the Father. His heart is open to all.

I was denied access and entry when I was a witch. So I began a spiritual pursuit devoid of community and relationship because I was not allowed in. Held up by gatekeepers and a piety that did not embrace different. But finally, I was brought to my knees in a grocery store by the one who kicked over the tables.

Because He welcomed me, I can welcome others.