to be clean

'it's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. 

do you have the nerve to say, 'let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? 

it's this I-know-better-than-you mentality again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your own part. 

wipe that ugly sneer off your own face and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.'

-luke 6:41

2-24-08

♥

blessed are those who can look themselves in the face

who meet their own eyes in the mirror

who can stare long and hard-

dealing with the ugliness and brokenness that lies beneath.

blessed are those who wear a smile and not a sneer

who do what is counter-intuitive,

what is hard and not easy

who do not mask their judgments with sarcasm,

but speak worlds of love & grace that help wash others clean.

blessed are those who are courageous enough to get their hands dirty-

who know that he world's pain is more important than 

right or wrong,

good or bad,

who are blinded by the need for healing 

instead of the need for judgment or criticism.

blessed are those who are comfortable in their own skin

who allow others to simply be where they are

who do not gloat in their own healthiness,

but come knowing that together...in love...

we can be more than ourselves.

amen.