Getting back to basics of what it means to be a person of faith. There isn't any room for hate, fear, and exclusion.

Dear Family of Love,

I woke up today feeling okay that was until I began filing through the Facebook Posts about the Syrian Refugees and the governors throughout the country denying them entry. Denying them entry into their states because of the fear of who they are and maybe many of them being Muslim. I had to remind myself that today after all is You Matter Monday! Have we forgotten that everyone matters and that we are each other's keeper? Today I felt that many of  our family members have had some kind of weird disconnect that prevents them from having open minds and hearts for the least of these. The rampant fear and mistrust and all things hate filled doesn't make any logical sense to me as a Christian who from time to time is asked to renew my baptismal vows. In the BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER we are asked a series of questions that are both solemn and thought provoking.  Here it is:

The Baptismal Covenant *

Celebrant Do you believe in God the Father?
People I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

Celebrant Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
People I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Celebrant Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
People I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.

Celebrant Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and
fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the
prayers ?
People I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever
you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
People I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant Will you proclaim by word and example the Good
News of God in Christ?
People I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving
your neighbor as yourself?
People I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant Will you strive for justice and peace among all
people, and respect the dignity of every human
being?
People I will, with God’s help.

From : THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER

In these words there isn't any place where we are allowed to say "Yes but.........." , "When you say "all" you do mean people like us and we can exclude those people, let me see Muslims? LGBT? Blacks? Immigrants? Refugees? Mexicans? The disabled, The dirty homeless and everyone else that aren't like us?'

The answer is a definitive  and resounding "NO!" Tonight is our chance and opportunity to  meditate upon the words above and see where we are as human beings, We also are in need of not so subtle reminders of what being a member of the Family of Love and Human family is all about. We must strive to make this world less fearful and hate filled. We must strive to thrive upon God's love, mercy, and justice.  With all the hate and negativity we are most certainly becoming a people who are failing to thrive. Because of this failure to thrive we are failing to receive proper nourishment  from God and each other. It isn't easy, but in order to regain holy balance we must do this always. 
It's time to get back to basics of what it means to be a person of faith and human being. There isn't any room for hate, fear, and exclusion!

It's time to take time to take our deep breaths and prepare to pray and meditate with the words above.
If you aren't Christian you may adapt the above to suit your faith needs.

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Now let us pray for peace and unity among all people and nations! 

God who made us and makes us one we pray for unity among all people and nations
May we be one and love one another.

God who made us and makes us one lead us to put away all hindrances that divide us
May we be one and love one another

God who made us and makes us one give us  the courage to see you in the eyes of all who are our enemies and wish us harm.
May we be one and love one another.

God who made us and makes us one we pray for all who are ill in body, mind, and spirit. Heal them and make them whole and may we lovingly respond to their needs.
May we be one and love one another.

God who made us and makes us one we pray for the protection of those who are protesting using peaceful non-violence.
May we be one and love one another.

God who made us and makes us one we pray for the protection of all our most vulnerable family members. Help us to see ourselves and you in their eyes and love them as you have taught us and to serve them as you have taught us to serve.
May we be one and love one another.

God who made us and makes us one. we give thanks for all those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries this day.

God who made us and makes us one may we be with those who are pre-grieving and mourning any loss.

God who made us and makes us one we pray for all who are dying and have died may they find loving, joy, and oneness with you in the Thin Places.

God who made us and makes us one we offer these our prayers and thanksgivings in the most Holy Name of your Son Jesus. May we be one and love one another. Amen.


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Today's wish: Connect with all that is good and holy in every person you meet. Love boldly and fearlessly! I love you!

Good Night dear and beloved family ! I  love you and give God thanks for you this day and always. Tomorrow is Take Care Tuesday! Let us take care of ourselves so that we may take care of others. 

With love and blessings!

Sara