There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

As I sit in my freshly built suburban home, I can pretend to know what it’s like growing up in the South during the 1930’s while reading To Kill a Mockingbird or Roll of Thunder.

From either person’s perspective.

I can pretend to know what it’s like as a poor desparate child in war-ravaged Ethiopia or Sudan while reading A Long Walk to Water.

I can pretend to know what it’s like as a wild animal, imprisoned in a concentration camp during WW2 while reading The Hiding Place, Lilac Girls, or The Tattooist of Auschwitz.

Books are wonderful windows into other worlds.

I can glimpse another reality while safely seated in my chair, feet propped up, coffee in my hand, wind settling the air on my covered porch.

Books fill in the gaps.

They help you see perspectives from those you have never met.

And help you understand those you have been introduced.

Our God has mercifully given us life.

He’s given us all life.

And with our lives, He asks us to be His hands and feet to all we meet.

What does that look like?

Smiling at strangers.

Holding doors.

Respecting and honoring others before yourself.

Our country has a rich history.

Like anything in this world, it’s not perfect.

But America is filled with wonderful people.

Hard-working, honoring people who want their fellow neighbor to succeed like themselves.

Keep spreading God’s love.

Stop participating with lies and hate.

Honor others before yourself.

Peacefully protest, but honor the curfew when it’s set because of rioters.

Remember that most Americans, including police, have good hearts.

Purpose in your mind not to assume the worst.

And read about someone else’s perspective.

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you climb in his skin and walk around in it.”

Thanks for the reminder, Atticus.

Photos by frank mckenna, Christopher Jolly, Nick Fewings, Jessica Furtney, & Will Esayenko on Unsplash