Elevated Friday, February 8th, 2019

Happy Elevated Friday! Today we highlight a story of kindness and friendship between the unlikeliest of people. Former US Marine Kevin Armentrout was traveling by plane with his 16-month-old daughter Carter this past week. In the airport, Carter, being inquisitive and curious of her surroundings, began walking up to people and saying “hi.” She ended up saying hi to an older black man named Joseph and they were fast friends! She sat down next to him and he taught her to draw pictures on his tablet, watched cartoons with her, and even accepted her generous offer to share her snacks. Carter’s father, in that moment, couldn’t help but think to himself, “Different genders, different races, different generations, and the best of friends. This is the world I want for her. In a country that is continuously fed that it’s so deeply divided by beliefs, I want her life to be filled with moments like this…not liberal or conservative, republican or democrat, socialist or capitalist, just HUMAN.” It just goes to show that a little kindness, patience, and openness can open doors previously thought to be locked.

We’re told each day by the media that our nation is deeply divided, even hopelessly so in some cases. Hearing those words repeated and repeated, even though we all know deep down that most people are inherently good, it can still color our opinions of others and our world around us. Peter wrote, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." Contrary to popular belief, we don’t have to hate each other for being different. If we choose to love in spite of other’s sins, both perceived and real, we can make this world a little less bitter and a little more hopeful. Today, choose to show love to those different from yourself because Jesus shows you the same love despite your failings.

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." – 1 Peter 4:8

Original Article:

https://bit.ly/2t9PkUp