Saturday 27 february 2010
6
27
/02
/2010
05:00
The Mighty Drum
by Kathy Northup
The sound was heard even in my youth, beating softly, sometimes loudly, the mighty beat would continue to drum. Even during the years of going to the same schools with my friends and working in the same town I was moved by this sound, then as I am now, to embrace others for who they are: God's children. And continue to love them in whatever walk their heart presently beat to.
Many people feel comfortable, nurtured even, by belonging to well-defined, tightly-knit groups that reject those that walk to a different beat than theirs, that walk may include being contrary to the Word of God. However, I embrace these so called "outcasts", with the unearned love that my Almighty Conductor has blessed me with.
Cliquey social norms like "Thou shalt not speak to people that are not part of our group", limits the love of God to flow among us. I understand, people want to do what makes them feel comfortable because they feel they deserve to feel safe and supported in their beliefs. But comfort to me isn't the feeling that I fit in. It's not the result of going out of my way to exclude others just so I can say: "I belong." "I am pure." "I am righteous" "It's in the Word" -while "the others" listen from the sidelines and turn their heads from the prejudice, and sometimes hate, that beats loudly throughout their tired ears.
Instead, I listen to the Drum that beats within my heart and choose the Word: "Come" Welcome My Friend. You are welcome. You are welcome to come, to go, question, to just sit and listen. Welcome to be away for awhile, to ask for help, to give and tp get a hug. Welcome to your space. Welcome to His love.
Part of the welcome does not include: "You look or sound different from what I'm use to and therefore you are not welcome" and "You don't go to my church and you are not welcome" is not part of it either.
I pray for those who put up walls to others because the beat of others' drums appear or are contrary to the written Word of God. Because in my soul I continue to hear the Mightiest of all Drums...one that overcomes all those negative voices...that says eight times in His Word to "Love your neighbor as yourself" and "Whoever is without sin, cast the first stone". Do we obey and achieve more by loving our neighbor? ...or by alienating him/her because s/he presently walks to the beat of a different drum that most of us have walked to within our present and past lives.
I submit this writing, as amateur and unlearned as it may be, as a humble mercy-giver, whose heart hears the sound of many, beating their drums for Him. In spite of my earthly flesh and human frailty, I hear His drum speak to me as well, sometimes loudly and at other times softly, deep within my soul, with a song for me to cherish all with His love and welcome them into His embrace.
By Kathy Northup
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Posted in: Reflections
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- : www . kathy northup . com
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- : Music Family Art Love Poetry Believes
- : I'm in awe and passionate about life, relationships, and creativity. In my non-cyber life I play many roles including career counselor, writer, advocate, and, most importantly, a mother to my child. I have posted writings, artwork and music here that has touched me. I share them with you with a grateful heart. Kathy
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