Update, October 7, 2020

Family,

I thank Rick Mixon for the following quote.

“In the face of the oppressed I recognize my own face, and in the hands of the oppressor I recognize my own hands. Their flesh is my flesh, their blood is my blood, their pain is my pain, their smile is my smile. In another’s eyes I see my plea for forgiveness, and in a hardened frown I see my refusal. When someone murders, I know that I too could have done that, and when someone gives birth, I know that I am capable of that as well. In the depths of my being, I meet my fellow humans with whom I share love and have life and death.”

Henri Nouwen

Nouwen’s words remind me Paul’s teaching in Philippians 2:5 to “Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2: 1-11 will be our central scripture in worship this coming Sunday. Pastor Naw San of the SF Kachin Baptist Church and I will consider together the importance of this text for our troubled times. I trust that you are planning on worshipping with us.

Peace,

Jim H.