conversation is an engine

Not so many weeks back the St. Anthony Village community (not far from the Livingston Communication Tower) held a meeting to consider whether an Islamic center could be built in the community. The meeting got heated, lots of ugly stuff was said aloud, and the proposal was rejected. Whether or not the council acted on anti-Muslim bias (the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating), fear of the unknown seems to have ruled the roost.

People will say what they will say—our country protects that right—which is a fantastic freedom. But our country (city and suburb, mind you) is composed of lots of different folks: religion, color, body shape, languages, musical tastes. A crazy diversity which becomes more interesting every single day. Christians (whether in name only or fully functional) don’t own the place and cannot dictate the rules.

I’m cheered because in this case the stranger has acted on the words that would/should/could motivate the Jesus-follower: they are throwing a dinner (an iftar) Thursday night at the St. Anthony Community Center.

What an interesting time to be alive.

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