To be a church empowered by the breath of God, we must learn to listen and understand the hearts of those who are not like us. We must use the spiritual power given to us by God to enable us to cross boundaries of difference in race, education, income, and social setting.

When faced with a world in need of justice seekers and bridge builders, it can be so difficult to know where to start and I know that I don't necessarily need to be the person leading the conversation or offering a way forward. But I can offer these gentle suggestions as we seek to heal our hearts as individuals and as a community.

Two stories. Two young men. Two separate and unequal systems still at work and representing a sad reality that must be recognized by this middle class, white preacher.

The blowing of the Spiritwind empowers followers of Jesus to be his presence to all people, to be his love across barriers of nation, race, lifestyle, and political opinions. The Spiritwind empowers us to have unity in the midst of human diversity.

Brilliance is not necessary to be wise. One doesn’t have to be a genius to keep heart, mind, and eyes open for ways to be better at what we do and how we do it.  We can work for better understanding in our community, deepen our knowledge of the world, and broaden our perspectives of other cultures and other people. 

A prayer for those high school and college graduates entering into the next season of life.