“Hello…my name is, Jeri, and I’m a recovering finger pointer.

Finger pointing in one form or another seems to be the current social media obsession.  

THEY…..THEM…

PEOPLE LIKE YOU….

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?

I have opinions.  You have opinions.  Expressing those opinions is a God-given and blood bought right for those of us who call ourselves Americans.  It is a gift.  Men and women died on battlefields and continue to die to protect that freedom.

Sadly, the gift of free speech has become a violent excuse to say whatever you want… to whomever you want… however you want….wherever you want.

“It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?”  Galatians 5:13 The Message

Well, fellow finger pointers…what are we to do about this current state of affairs in our country?  I came across this scripture last week and it started me thinking….

But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don’t take yourself too seriously— take God seriously.  Micah 6:8  The Message

“It’s quite simple”, the Scripture says.

Mercy….Fairness….Justice….Kindness….Humility

Embrace faithful love….Humble fellowship with your God

Setting aside any overblown sense of importance….

…it has become common place to sit behind a screen and vomit our views and accusations across cyberspace.  I have done it.  I have watched my own family “friend” and “unfriend” each other because of differing opinions. Relationships have been marred and all but destroyed. There is no respect, no trust, no real communication, only shouts of “I want to be heard!”

My question has become this….”since we are all so busy pointing fingers and yelling at each other on social media, who is helping all the people we say we are so concerned about?”  Every one has their panties in a bunch over this issue or that issue..this perceived injustice or that prejudice or …blah, blah, blah.

Our world and our country need genuine help and compassion.  What are you and I actually doing to help our fellow human beings?

Do you want to help Syrian Refugees?

 Google is your friend.  Do the research to find out if you can house them in your home or your rental properties.  Go to http://www.charitynavigator.org/ and type in Syrian Crisis.  There are multiple organizations you can donate to who are providing aid.

Do you have a heart for victims of domestic violence?

Volunteer in your local women’s shelter.  Donate clothing and household items for new beginnings.  Many women leave their situations with only the clothes they are wearing.

Abused Children

Be a foster parent. Adopt. Volunteer in your local schools, churches, community programs.

Go to Compassion International https://www.compassion.com/ or World Vision https://www.worldvision.org/  and adopt a child in a foreign country.  

Just a warning about working with children or looking into adoption or foster parenting….You will be vetted.  You will be fingerprinted and they will do a background check.  Adoption and foster parenting will bring strangers into your home who will be “all up in your business.”  You have to be determined safe and trustworthy.  Evil people do exist.  And they will do whatever it takes to gain access to innocent people and inflict harm.

Are you a Caregiver?

Call your local Hospice.  Visit the elderly and ill in your local nursing homes and hospitals.  Take a meal to a grieving family.  Maybe a new mommy and daddy need a date night or a nap. Find a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter to help in.

What are you good at?  What gifts and talents do you have to offer?  Everyone has something to give….  Put down the phone…get out from behind your computer….lower your finger ….roll up your sleeves….there is work to be done.

http://www.charitynavigator.org/  Charity Navigator will provide you endless opportunities for giving and providing aid.

My friend, Kristianne Stewart, reaches out to women who are battling cancer. You can find her at https://compassionthatcompels.org/