Radical hospitality.
Hospitality is something that just comes naturally to Southerners. If you want some lessons on hospitality, go to the South and knock on someone's door. See what happens. Likely, you'll stay for at least half the day, have at least one meal, and be urged to stay longer. Every time you get ready to leave, you'll hear, "What's yer hurry? Why, just stay with us."
You can spend more than an hour just trying to leave. Just when you think you're on your way, they will start to tell you a story about one of their kin, or a neighbor's troubles. Chances are, you'll have your arms full of leftovers too.
So our church has a vision, and it includes Radical Hospitality as a sign of a healthy Christian church. Some of the people in our church have made a decision to stop talking about Christian discipleship and do something. After some discussion, and formal meetings with people who can make things happen, our church has received a request from United Methodist Core of Overseas Relief and Church World Service to help an Iraqi refugee family settle here. They will be arriving in Washington soon. They have been living as refugees in Jordan, and have had surgeries to remove broken glass from their bodies.
I am praying that we will all show them a Southern style of hospitality, and make them feel so welcome and accepted that they see the reflection of God in us all.
Now, sing along with me -What the world needs now, is love, sweet love, no not just for some, but for everyone.
2 comments:
Loveit!
Come back when you can stay longer!
NICE!!!!
What the world needs now is the truth and light... With the knock, the bent knees, the folded hands, and one sincere prayer...doors will be opened, all forgiven, all embraced and the world forever loved.
Oh...rest assure too M, that you and the called can bank on the ye'alls and comforting blanket hospitality...
AhhhHA...now I see the (Southern) connect with the Shack "Papa!" That's so sweet M, bordering on misty-sweet :)
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