There are people in the world, and in our community, who are very different from what we might expect. Different foods, language, social expectations, or even different ethics. But it wasn’t until recently that I found out this difference between myself and others.

Some people don’t stop what they are doing to go and watch a thunderstorm.

How is that possible? My whole life growing up there was always a chance that some summer evenings plans might be derailed by the coming of a storm and the deployment of camp chairs in the garage with the doors up.

The smell of rain. The sight of lightning. The sounds of thunder. All of these things bring me both peace and joy. It is not so for everyone.

I was glad to learn about this because it reminded me once again that a difference between me and my neighbor might also be a silent unmeant conflict.

As Christians we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves. That command does not include first converting them to be like us. So what does it mean that I feel safe around a police officer and my neighbor does not, like a storm whose thunder thrills one person yet brings dread to others?

I first remember that I cannot ask a person in fear to stop fearing without a reason, if any can be found. Even then, reasons are not always enough for us humans to change the ways we behave. Emotions are a powerful gift God has given us.

So the second consideration is what other emotions might be offered to stand next to that fear and, perhaps, overshadow it. In my own life, I find that love and hope are transformative of any fear they might stand next to.

In that light I invite you this week to find a neighbor, either around where you live or in your wider circle of connections and talk about what fears they might have right now. Offer to stand with them in that fear and hold up the love and hope we gain in Christ to be a transformative force with them.

If you feel strong enough, maybe also offer your own fears to stand there with that neighbor. You may be surprised how it too transforms.

In love and hope,

-Chip