Love your enemies. Even the pagans love their friends.—Jesus
I’ve been on vacation in Virginia visiting sites that played roles in America’s formation. Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Williamsburg where Virginia’s delegates debated siding with Massachusetts in separating from England. Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America. Yorktown, where Cornwallis surrendered to Washington leading to the end of the “Revolutionary War.” Also bringing my wife and her sisters together again.
The trip fed many thoughts into my personal blender. Here is one:
Standing on the pier in the James River at Jamestown, I spotted a T-shirt on an upper-middle-aged man:
If this Fleig offends you I will help you pack.
My first thought—why has the flag become so politically divisive? Only conservatives are supposed to honor the flag? (I should note that our country has done many things of which I’m not proud. But still, it is my country. I hope I’ve done at least a little to support it. No one ever called me conservative.)
A second thought—Why be so pugnacious and in your face? Perhaps I have been too influenced by Jesus. Or, perhaps I’m not “feeling/judgmental” enough on the Myers-Briggs Types Indicator (I’m thinking/perceptive, which must be a minority).
I see this “in-your-face” use of language even from people who purport to be inclusive and loving (any United Methodist bishops reading this?). OK, I probably slip also at times. Feel free to call me out.
There’s a church loosely within my geographical area who had a slogan once, “Love everyone…always.” I’m not sure they did. But that sentiment obviously reflects the teaching we Jesus-followers are supposed to be practicing..always.
Faith Venture 
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