I could
almost hear the music from an old thriller movie as we wound our way
up the dark, narrow hallway. The twists and turns were a little
creepy, even in what was suppose to be the light of day. The walls,
once painted a pale blue, were dirty and peeling. Smudged with the
grime of years of disappointment, and hope deferred. In the deep
crevices, wads of trash filled the cracks and holes like long
forgotten dreams crumpled in a heap. The smell of sewage and old perspiration mingled in
the air. One flight, two flights, three, where were we going?
Finally, the stairwell opened to a small sitting area, minus the
chairs, with a large table, just outside the door of the Dept. of
Religion.
I don't
know what I expected when I stepped cautiously through the garbage on
the street, this morning. I just know it reminded me of the back
ally, in that same movie. One thing was for certain, I did not expect
Govt. offices to be in such a place. My heart began to ache for these
men who are best known for their corruption and greed.
The
stale odor in the warm, still, air could just as easily be the stench of hell
as the demons scurry between people, biting, pinching and scratching
their way into the subconscious of men.
As we
unwound ourselves down the same drab stairs, I knew all too well the
sense that people I care about are being deceived and mistreated. The
morning was yet to become a series of attempts to deceive me, and the
ministry I represent, for nothing more that a bit of pocket change. A
“friend” of the ministry, trying to cheat us out of a little
money. I found myself seeking the Lord for answers in a place where communication remains a huge barrier. I didn't understand the
conversations, but the spirit was obvious. And more than once the
compassionate eyes of a clerk glanced at me, then at the “friend”,
and offered an integrity filled reply.
An offer
of a soda and something to eat suddenly quieted his growing anxiety
that every attempt to defraud had been met with a love that would not
yield to his greed. The words penned of Saint Augustine, “You loved
me, I now am loveable” came to life today. A concept not at all
new. In fact, a word I've been trying to live in spite of cautions to
the contrary. Still, the words pierce my soul:
“You
loved me ~ NOW I am loveable”
We
were made for love. That is, we were made to ~ BE LOVE ~
~
Imagined in love ~
~
Designed in love ~
~
Fashioned in love ~
We
were created in love, to be love, so that the world could know love.
Love
is pure. What is it that we end up with when our love is tainted with
contempt, bitterness or impatience? What do we have when our pride
forbids us from giving to the needy? How can we say we love when we
will pay the bribe to a man with a job, but refuse to give a piece of
bread to the hungry? How can we expect others to be loveable when we
have not yet loved them?
When
hearts are painted blue with the revelation of the Father's love and
the light of that love shines brightly in the hearts of men, then, the
way will be made straight and plain. Desires fulfilled will patch the
cracks and the sweet aroma of the prayers of the saints will rest in
the air.
When
we love them, then, they will be loveable.
