June Monthly Letter
June 2014
Dear Reconciler Family,
A few weeks ago three of our ORM supporters and I attended a meeting on the topic of HATE. Much of the meeting was focused on the dangers of hate in our country and abroad, especially when it’s acted out. Also Included was the contrast of great acts of love and forgiveness and the fruit thereof.
L-R: James Tate, Franklin Guice, Curtis May and Neil Earle
Part of the discussion had to do with political rhetoric, violence, mass murders, and racial and ethnic division. Presenters expressed concern over the bad examples this sets, especially for the next generation.On the love side, a powerful example was given of a single black woman name Beulah Mae Donald, whose 19-year-old grandson was lynched by two young white men in Mobile, Alabama. Several years later during the trial, the older man was sentenced to death and the younger one was given a life sentence. What was amazing about this example was when the man who was sentenced to death apologized and asked for Beulah Mae’s forgiveness, she said, “Young man, I already have.” Her attorney and presenter said, “There wasn’t a dry eye in the courtroom.”
Knowing about this example I asked myself: would I have been so forgiving, so graceful and so loving? She was a staunch Christian who believed in and practiced the love of God. That kind of love is so powerful that it leads us to do supernatural things through the Power of the Holy Spirit.
Notice what the Apostle Paul wrote about love:
1 Corinthians 13:4-8: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. LOVE NEVER FAILS.” Verse 13 tells us “And now these three remain: FAITH, HOPE and LOVE. But the greatest of these is LOVE.”
Isaiah 41:10 further encourages us, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
So no matter what’s going on in your lives, whether it’s bad health, threats or general disruptions, we can hold our heads high and NOT WORRY ABOUT A THING THROUGH THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT! Yes we have this hope!
Thank you for walking with and supporting the Ministry of Reconciliation that Jesus raised up and is working through, transforming lives.
God bless you all,
