He Never Said It!

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Let each step be a step toward peace.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

It’s one of the most popular images we have for you, the shepherd caring for needy and oft-straying sheep. You bring us back to the fold, guide us by safe paths and clean streams of water. You are wise enough to let us go “on our own” so we gain self-confidence. You give us other sheep with experience to lead us where you want us to go.

But, I want to say, there are same who put the bells on themselves and lead others astray. There are also wolves in sheep’s clothing; they devour a lot of unsuspecting sheep. Some sheep swear by them. We’re better off if we just keep our eyes and ears tuned to you. Any lead sheep that isn’t wise and gentle as you are should be ignored.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“I’ll have to die on a cross so God will forgive you for your sins.”

[The way that idea flies around at this time of year, you’d think it would be in one of the gospels. He never said it.]

D. Blog: Stretching

There are times and places I’d rather not be stretched, but I don’t seem to be the one in control of that. A good thing, that, as otherwise I would still be the shape I was in as a teenager, which is a shape okay for a teenager, but hardly for a “mature” adult. Now I rather like the way my apparent limits have been gradually stretched until they have expanded to encompass new insights and attitudes. If I resist stretching, I risk becoming brittle enough to snap. Stretching is good exercise – for muscles and for personality. I hope it continues.