But why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you look down on your brother or sister? We all will stand in front of the judgment seat of God. Because it is written,
“As I live,” says the Lord, “every knee will bow to me,
and every tongue will give praise to God.“So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.
So stop judging each other. Instead, this is what you should decide: never put a stumbling block or obstacle in the way of your brother or sister. – Romans 14:10-13
Yes, I still have vacation photographs to share. But it is also time to catch up with that latest story from the new book, my “memoir-in-progress”. This post is a video-excerpt from yesterday’s writing.
The theme of this chapter is the clear through-line that runs from 1975 (when the story took place) to today.
I am not sure where in the book this particular memory belongs. Maybe “in-sequence,” when I am still a 19-year-old discovering America? Or, instead, in the contemporary end of the narrative, circa current day?
Regardless, 1975 or 2024, I believe this experience highlights the responsibility we all have, to share the Good News of God’s love unencumbered by social/cultural/political bias, in a world where too much of faith seems tainted by political overtones.
It’s the exact challenge that has always been front and center for me as a Christian Thinker… beginning when I was a teenager trying to make sense of what it means to follow Jesus, day-to-day in the real world.
Please enjoy listening; your comments are not only welcome but extremely helpful – DEREK
Thought the singing of “Imagine” during the Olympics’ opening ceremony on the River Seine was quite moving, especially when the camera man panned to various athletes from around the world singing the words, too. Thanks for your incite about all people “seeking”, even rock musicians.
Hi, Peggy:
Yes, I love the way the Olympics gives a message of peace regardless of the world’s politics. I have often wished I could have had the opportunity to talk with people like Clapton and Winwood when they were young – when we were all young!