1. Who do they say that we are? (Sept 20/13)
2. Who do you say that I am? (Sept 26/13)
3. Who do I say that you are? (Oct 4/13)
4. Who do we say that we are? (Oct 12/13)
Who do you say that I am?
G33ks r0x0r
This Who is a little harder than last week’s: if I do not know you, how might your own story fit me as a new character?
I believe that in the turmoil and gifts, challenges and joys, grief and blessings that is life, we are not only – obviously – at the centre of the stage, but we are the play’s protagonist. As a result, regardless of how much self-reflection one has done, the Other has to fit into the story we tell ourselves.
One Christian aspiration is to see the Other – the Stranger – as a Holy Guest, as a mirror of one’s own openness to the movement of God in the world. A lofty aspiration, but sometimes it’s easier said than done. Somewhere in-between these two poles – the aspiration and where one is at – is the me you have met.
So – for some – learning I am a male, heterosexual, educated leader in a Christian denomination, might mean I am that judgemental guy who wants to tell you what to do. That no matter how genuine I might seem, I’ve got an agenda and that plan stands in direct opposition to your understanding of another guy named Jesus. I could very well be a person who uses words like love, blessing and joy, but actually those are just code for hate, burden and suffering ….
You might be someone from within the denomination in which I find myself living out – in a formal and institutionalised manner – my faith. Perhaps knowing I am an outsider to The United Church of Canada leads you to wonder what I am doing, whether or not I have the capacity or credentials to actually be a leader or (in church-speak) offer faithful discipleship.
Maybe for those who are seeking, who see me on my daily run – when the ink that adorns my skin is clearly visible that tells part of my tale – your assumptions about what a Christian looks like or sounds like might be jarred. Perhaps as one who wrestles with doubts, discovering that this faith community, in which I too was an outsider, wrestles openly and honestly with questions of human dignity might offer you pause. Maybe the idea of an intercultural church – where regardless of sexual orientation, gender, race, language, or any of the long lists of phobias that scar souls – gives you a reason to take my hand offered in greeting. Possibly, as you take my hand, you may be willing to indeed trust that my embrace is genuine and curious, but not judgemental …
This Who is a little harder than last week’s: if I do not know you, how might your own story fit me as a new character? Until we meet one another, it’s all conjecture and the potential contained in our knowing one another remains unrealised …
Hi Richard,
From another who came from elsewhere, I appreciate your ability to try to see things through someone else’s eye.
Thanks Laurel – it certainly has been a gift to realise that there are in fact many within our UCC midst who have found the way here from elsewhere! I think – for me – that’s an affirmation of the Theology that is so dear & vibrant in our denomination. Does that make sense?
Richard, Is the picture the new Shelly & Rick.You are love,joy & compassion.As I enter a new decade of my life I want to continue to share Gods love by helping the less fortunate.