It’s quite hard sometimes to be a “milennial” (despite being born in the nineties) and a Christian. It’s challenging.
Although as a society, we’re a lot more accepting, we’re also a lot more defensive yet on the attack at the same time. So, adding Christianity to this battle already can make muddling through the early years of adulthood even harder.
A poignant poem:
He gave the world his rainbow,
And they pointed and stared.
Now that he’s a grey sky,
They treat him with despair.
I’ve called this post Rainbow with the view to express the need for Pride. And, the need to support the LGBTQ+ community. Although I class myself as heterosexual and therefore “celebrating” Pride seems odd, I still know the importance of a movement to challenge stereotypes, show solidarity and promote love.
Because at the end of the day, we are here to love. Jesus said:
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
That means: no hatred, all-in, total love. Love combined with forgiveness, hope, strength, and companionship.
In my view, it’s harder to hate than it is to love. Hating and hating on people is one: effort, and two: just not necessary. I can whole-heartedly say there is no one I hate in this world. I may not get along with every other human I have come into contact with, but that doesn’t mean I hate them. The people who have tried to step on me or quell my spirit; those who treated me “badly”; those who wronged me in any way; I do not hate them.
Love is such an all-encompassing emotion, but it is also an action. It means so much more than infatuation or attraction; so much more than a kiss or a cuddle; so much more than anything sexual; and so much more than being treated to things. Love is found in the little moments, the big moments, the scary moments, the rollercoaster moments, the exciting moments. Love is the base of friendships, relationships, family, and of your soul.
It kills me to see people unhappy. It kills me to see broken people.
When I went out to Brazil four yeas ago, even 16 year old me had a broken heart. To live so comfortably in the Western world, yet to see so much hidden poverty in a country so desperately in need of reform. I pray every day for the safety of those that I met out there, and those that I didn’t get to meet. I can’t help but allow tears to fall every time I flick through the photographs from the trip – it isn’t even silly crying, it’s a really deep sense of pride and happiness, but also of great sadness.
However, I remain hopeful. Hopeful that this world can change. It’s not just about God or believing in God. The change starts with humanity, and reaching out our hands to every stranger.
A person doesn’t have to be poor or homeless to be in need. We have to help everyone, and build everyone up. We all deserve the same opportunities in life, and wealth, geography, race or religion should not dictate what you get.
Enjoy your day.
Love,
Anna
kulayrosas 