POSITIVE THREAD

I had a long conversation with a man I’ve grown to honor & love. He’s an honorable man who has been a blessing to me & my church for almost 15 years.
I’d venture to say that without him, I wouldn’t have multiple campuses. (1)

As we sat & discussed Faith, COVID-19, politics, & RACE it was clear that we were on opposite sides of many issues. But our LOVE & RESPECT for each other is so deep that our focus was on listening & making sure we didn’t hurt our relationship over things we disagreed on. (2)

We broached topics like BLM, slavery, systemic racism, & reconciliation. His point of view was sometimes “off” but his heart was always pure. He was genuinely trying to understand. But like most of us, his knowledge is limited to the culture he lives in. (3)

After listening to him recount for me how he has lifelong friendships with many of his [black] wartime buddies (especially the one who saved his life) I posed a question that gave him pause. I asked: Do you think you would be as successful as you are if you were a black man? (4)

He thought about the question. Then answered: NO! I WOULDN’T!
I replied: Do you see the problem? He said, “I really do!”
My friend is almost 80 years old. I would fight for him because he fought for me. He helped me fulfill GOD’s plan for my ministry. (5)

Our races, perspectives, & opinions never got in the way of what GOD called us to do together.
I asked him: WHY DID YOU HELP ME? He said, “After I heard you teach the first time, GOD told me to help you.”
He became my Chief Pilot & helped set up our aviation wing. (6)

The point of this thread is to remind us that generalization deafens & defeats us as we attempt hard but needed discussions. Misunderstanding is often due to misinformation & misperception. But if there’s HONOR in the relationship, you can have dialog without disconnection. (7)

Everyone doesn’t have the right heart—an openness to hear Truth. But many do. Many are willing to search the root of the issue & deal with the fruit accordingly.
I’m glad my friend listened. I listened too. I HEARD HIM. I understood his heart. And I respect him. (8)