The cost of individuality!

Our dog Gabriel has featured in a few of my posts. He is a lively bundle of energy and affection ( when he is not sleeping).He has also been rehomed, and we have to be careful with him, to keep him safe.

At the moment, we are looking for kennels to take him for a few days, and it has been tough. We have been told he is too nervous and unsettled, and we are still looking for the best place for him, so he can have a wee holiday too.

This has reminded me of the cost of individuality for people, as well as dogs. We like to think that we are welcoming, caring people, but when some- one thinks differently, or behaves in ways we don’t understand, we are often judgemental or dismissive. We justify our own position, by caricaturing another.

My late husband was a war veteran, and because of his epilepsy had some brain disfunction. He could behave strangely or act unexpectedly. He didn’t choose this- it was part of a neurological condition. There were very few who understood this, snd were willing to interact with him, because it was difficult, maybe even scary at times.

I think of all the people who feel that they don’t fit in- the person with a disability, the person whose trust was broken, the one who struggles to connect. It feels like there are many who feel rejected, misunderstood or belittled. As a society, we need to ponder on how to be. How can we include and affirm those who feel broken or different?

I think of Jesus, and his way of including and valuing everyone. ” while Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him.’ Mark 2:15

I pray for a community where all are valued, a church where all are welcomed, a world where love and healing are valued more than power and greed. It is just a dream, but the more rejection and hurt I see, the more urgent the dream becomes. Thy kingdom come indeed…..

Father God, you have made every human being in Your image. We have rebelled against You, and we let You down, and hurt one another. Forgive us. Lord Jesus, you know what it is like to be rejected, even though you did not deserve this. Teach us, by your holy spirit, to see people through your eyes, and to show love and compassion, even when it is hard. Lord Jesus, You invited everyone to come to your table, and there was a place for all. May we in turn, make space in our hearts and lives for others, to they can find grace and acceptance and hope, Amen.