sacred words

This past weekend, the church which I pastor hosted a joint Muslim-Christian-Jewish event. Three speakers, one from each group, shared regarding the way in which women are valued in their faith. All of us - men, women, children - in one space, building friendships, finding common ground, while respecting differences and holding to our own beliefs.

One pulled out a guitar, sang a couple of songs.

And there was homemade baklava at the end.

Each speaker referenced the sacred text of their faith. It matters to us, you know. People of faith treasure our scriptures. That value shows in different ways. My Bible, a gift from my parents when I went to school, is literally falling apart now, from years of use.

Sometimes I wonder what scripture looks like to people who don't share my faith. For example, this is what I read today.

But now, God’s Message,

    the God who made you in the first place...,

    the One who got you started...:

“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.

    I’ve called your name. You’re mine.

When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.

    When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.

When you’re between a rock and a hard place,

    it won’t be a dead end—

Because I am God, your personal God,

    ... your Savior.

I paid a huge price for you:

    ...

That’s how much you mean to me!

    That’s how much I love you!

I’d sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you.

I don't know how that sounds or looks to you. I'd like to know, especially if you are of a different faith, or no particular faith.

I'm almost afraid to ask,

because I'm not interested

in commenters preaching

at each other.

Or at me.

I just would love to know how it sounds to you, I guess.

For me - a follower of Jesus - it re-orients my soul and is a deep breath of fresh air at the start of a Wednesday.