Lori Hatcher's Blog: Refresh Blog, page 51

Looking for Opportunities, not Excuses

Nell and Lairy Easterling are 93 years old. They, along with Nell’s sister, Josie, are founding members of our church. For more than 50 years, they’ve served faithfully, given generously, and modeled the faith life to our congregation. 

Nell’s also a really good cook. 

As I sat across from her at a recent pot luck dinner, I asked for the recipe for the dish she’d brought. As with most good cooks, she could recite it from memory. 

But halfway through, somewhere between the cottage cheese and the Mandarin oranges, she stopped.Catching her husband’s eye, she tapped the tablecloth in front of her. 

“Honey, let’s take these home and wash them,” she said. He nodded. “We can’t do much anymore, but we can do that.” 

I wrote down the rest of the recipe, but came away from the conversation with much more than instructions for a new dish. Without realizing it, Mrs. Nell had also shared a life lesson with me. 

I told my husband about it on the way home. “If I was 90 years old, could barely walk, and had been serving in the church for three-quarters of a century, I think I’d probably say, ‘I’m old. I’ve done my time. Let someone else do it.’"

"Instead she looks around and says, ‘I wonder what I can do to help?’” 

Mrs. Nell is living out 1 Samuel 12:24: "But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart."  

Her example challenges me to serve God with the abilities and resources he’s given me. To jump in wherever I see a need instead of waiting to be asked. To look for opportunities, instead of excuses. 

As we begin the new year, will you join me in pledging to serve God whenever he gives us the chance and the ability? If every church member served this way, imagine what God could do. 

Now it's your turn. Has there been someone in your life who has modeled biblical servanthood? I'd love to hear about them. Leave a comment in the box below and share your story.

Happy New Year!



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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

Top Ten Posts of 2017

Today, as we welcome in a new year, I'd thought it might be fun to revisit the ten most popular posts on Hungry for God in 2017. And to have a SHAREATHON to welcome in 2018.

I'm so grateful for you, dear friends, for reading, commenting, sharing, and praying for me and the ministry of Hungry for God. If you've been blessed by what you've read this year, would you consider sharing this post (or the link to this post) with a friend or on social media? Please invite them to subscribe. My goal for 2018 is to encourage even more busy women to spend time with God. Thanks so much for helping,
Lori






And now, the TOP TEN POSTS OF 2017 (just click on the title of each to read them again):


#1 – 7 Signs God is Calling You, Part I and II. Have you ever wondered if you’re hearing from God? Here’s biblical direction to help you know.  

#2 – It’s All a Matter of Perspective. What is the single greatest influence in your life? Many will say perspective. If you’re looking for a way to influence your life for good in this new year, you’ll want to read this. 

#3 – Easter in August – A Biblical Perspective on the Solar Eclipse. In this guest post, Gloria Barrett opens our eyes to the amazingly spiritual aspects of the August 21 solar eclipse. You’ll want to revisit this hauntingly beautiful essay. 


#4 – Half Empty with a Bug in the Bottom, or Full and Running Over? We often encounter negative people with sour dispositions. This humorous post shares a way to turn negativity around. 

#5 – Hope for the Brokenhearted. Sometimes life overwhelms us and leaves us feeling broken. Here’s powerful, lasting hope. 

#6 – A Sweet Tip for Resolving Conflict. We all disagree – with our spouses, friends, family, and co-workers. Here’s one way to ensure a healthy, positive resolution to those heated squabbles. 


#7 – When God Doesn’t Live Up to Our Expectations. Let’s face it, sometimes God leaves us hurt and disappointed. How do we handle the feelings without losing our faith? 

#8 – A Word from God for Those Who Want to Quit. If you’re ready to throw in the towel, pack your bags, and go home, here’s strong spiritual encouragement to help you keep moving forward. 

#9 – Two Ways the Holy Spirit Speaks to Us. That mysterious third member of the Trinity – when he speaks, how can we be sure it’s him? 

#10 – An Alternative to Complaining. Oh my, we’re so good at complaining. But does it ever accomplish anything? Here’s an alternative that could make all the difference.






May God draw you ever nearer to himself in this new year. Blessings to you, and Happy New Year,

Lori





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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

The Two Most Important Questions in the Bible

In Genesis 3:9, God asks one of the two most important questions in the Bible. 

Picture the scene. The paint is barely dry on God’s creation masterpiece. The world is pristine. Animals and humans live in perfect harmony. Adam and his new bride, Eve, are naked and unashamed. No sin corrupts their relationship—with each other or with their creator. God and Adam walk and talk together in the cool of every evening. 

Until Satan and his evil henchman, Sin, enter in. They lie to Eve, cause her to doubt God’s goodness and tempt her to disobey God’s instructions. From the first bite of that toxic fruit, she and her husband are naked and ashamed. They stitch pitiful faux coverings for themselves and hide from the God they once fellowshipped with. In disgust and judgment God could and should have turned his back on them, but instead he comes calling. 

And he asks the question: “Where are you?” 

His question to Adam and Eve is his question to us as well: Where are you in relationship to him? Are we, like Adam and Eve, partially-clothed with our own pitiful attempts to cover our sin? Hiding from him because we’ve disobeyed his instructions and spurned his love? Or are we naked and unashamed, clothed in Christ’s righteousness and walking in sweet camaraderie and obedience? 

This piercing second question of the Old Testament can only be answered by a thorough understanding of the first question of the New Testament: 

“Where is He?” 

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?’” (Mat. 2:1-2 NKJV). 

It really doesn’t matter where we are in relationship to God unless we know where God is in relationship to us. 

And where is he? Seeking us. 

"For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost," (Luke 19:10). 

Once he finds us, he offers salvation without cost or merit. “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy,” Titus 3:5 says. And once we accept him as our Savior, he bestows upon us the wealth of his kingdom: forgiveness from sin, freedom from guilt, and a life filled with hope and peace. 

If Christ is our Savior, he is “near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18), with us wherever we go (Joshua 1:9), and seated at the right hand of the father, interceding on our behalf (Rom. 8:34). He goes before us (Psa. 23:3) and lives in us (1 Cor. 3:16). Best of all, he eagerly waits to welcome us home to live with him forever. (Eze. 37:27). Savor 

The two questions, “Where are you?” and “Where is He?” prove God isn’t distant or disinterested. Instead, he eagerly desires a relationship with us.

As you begin a new year, take a moment to ask yourself these two questions: Where am I in relationship to God? and, where is God in relationship to me? Your honest answers will set the stage for a year of plumbing the depths of God’s love for you.



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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

What You Don't Want to Miss this Christmas

I sit in the semi-darkness of a cloudy December day. The bustle of early morning has passed, and, for a brief interlude, quiet has settled over my home like a warm blanket. I hesitate to turn on the light, afraid that the brightness will frighten the silence away. 

Silence is precious in this week before Christmas. 

So is solitude. 

Today I’ll babysit for the littles so their mama can shop unhindered. I’ll make a holiday meal for a friend, wash three loads of laundry, and host the final men’s Bible study of the year. I’ll write in the snatches of time between microwave and dryer beeps and answer a dozen phone calls and emails. 

But in this brief moment before the world elbows its way into my day, I sit in silent contemplation. 

Until someone appears in the doorway of my sanctuary. 

Reverent and respectful of this holy pause, he waits quietly until I notice him. 

Emmanuel. 

God with us. 

God with me.  

Always the perfect gentleman, he doesn’t push himself in. He waits to be invited. To sit with me. To share my contemplation. To speak his heart and listen to mine. He adds some thoughts about my day I haven’t considered, takes a task off my  To Do list, and adds one of his own. 

I tell him about the things that weigh heavy on my heart. Wayward family members, strained relationships, financial challenges, health concerns. 

He takes the burdens from me and hands me peace in exchange. 

As the calendar steamrolls toward Christmas, you may not think you have time for quiet contemplation. Do it anyway. Set aside a few quiet moments to fellowship with Emmanuel, the God who is with us. 

It's what Christmas is all about.



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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

Why We Can Trust Jesus with Our Past, Present, and Future

“Who is Jesus?” I heard a little girl ask her mother. 

Her mom thought a moment, then answered. “He was a good man who lived a long, long time ago.” 

This young mother’s answer wasn’t inherently wrong, but it was . Let's look at a verse that captures the essence of God much more accurately. 


"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty” (Rev. 1:8). By describing himself this way, God reminds us of his three-fold nature. 

First, he describes himself as “the one who is.” This phrase has the power to calm our troubled hearts when we feel like the world is spinning out of control. When we wonder whether God truly exists. When our fears loom large and our faith hides under the bed. 

This verse answers our anxious plea, “God, where are you?” with the beautiful truth, I’m right here. 

John penned the book of Revelation in the first century after Christ’s resurrection. The Roman government was persecuting the early church, at least one pastor had been martyred, and John himself was exiled to the island of Patmos. It was a turbulent and frightening time. 

But God came to John in a vision and reminded him, I am here. I was crucified. I died. I was buried. I rose and ascended into heaven, but I haven’t ceased to exist. I am actively involved in everything that happens. Fear not. 

God’s second description of himself, the one “who was,” identifies him as the self-existing one. By using this phrase, God removes a tremendous burden from our shoulders. He tells us we don’t have to figure out what’s right and wrong, because he’s already done it for us. 

When he designed the world, he put laws and principles in place that are true and right. When we obey these principles, we reap the benefits of his wisdom. Genesis 1:1 reminds us, “In the beginning, God . . .” 

Because the world began with God, not mankind, he’s the ultimate authority. One day, every person, leader, government, and spiritual force will answer to him. By basing our lives on his Word, we can make decisions with confidence, knowing our choices please him. 

Finally, by describing himself as the one “who is to come,” God gives us hope to hang our weary hats upon. 

One day, God will come in power and authority to right every wrong. He’ll judge the ungodly, reward the faithful, and set up a kingdom that will never end. He’ll banish sin, sickness, and Satan, and defeat the power of death once and for all. He’ll wipe every tear from our eyes. Best of all, he’ll gather us to himself, reunite us with our believing loved ones, and reward us for our faithfulness. 

As you ponder the truth that Jesus is “the one who is, and who was, and who is to come,” walk boldly into your day. Remember that we serve the God who created the world, is actively present in it, and will one day come again. Nothing is truer than this. Like John on the island of Patmos, we can stake our lives on it.



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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

Welcome to My Home at Christmas -- a Vlog

Merry Christmas! 
Today I thought it would be fun to do something different. Instead of a written blog post, I put together a little impromptu vlog -- a video blog. In it, I invite you into my home and share a few ways we decorate to make Christmas special. Don't worry -- it's not like the dreaded home movies you used to snooze through as a kid. This one's quick and fun.
So come on in. Welcome to my home. I'm glad you're here.




If you're receiving this by email, click HERE to watch the video.



And if you're still looking for a perfect Christmas gift for that family member, friend, kids' teacher, or babysitter, why not give her a copy of my devotional book, Hungry for God ... Starving for Time? I'd be honored to be part of your gift giving this year. CLICK HERE for the Amazon link.





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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

When "the Happiest Season of All" Isn't

The holiday season can make us profoundly aware of all that is wrong in our lives. Watching holiday specials featuring happy families gathered around the Christmas tree makes us grieve the imperfections in our own families. The endless ads for the latest and greatest possessions remind us of our meager bank accounts. The health and apparent well being of others stand in sharp contrast to our own physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges. If we’re not proactive, the “happiest season of all” can become the saddest one.

Unless we let gratitude rescue us.

Social media was full of memes and posts about gratitude during the Thanksgiving season. That’s good. By nature we are self-centered, selfish, ungrateful people. It sounds harsh, but it’s true. I know this because most of the time, I am a self-centered, selfish, ungrateful person.

Occasionally, however, the goodness of God overwhelms me, and gratitude bubbles up.

It happened today in a most unlikely place – my laundry room. Rain had been falling for three days. This probably doesn’t sound like much to those of you who live in places other than the sunny South, but for us, three days of rain with two more forcasted is unusual. And inconvenient.

My gratitude erupted when I pulled the first of two loads of clothes out of the washer and stuffed them into the dryer. I’m so thankful I have a clothes dryer, I thought, and grateful tears welled up. For ten years I lived without one.

On sunny days I’d hang our laundry on a backyard clothesline, and on rainy days I’d string it up all over the house like a Chinese laundry. Remembering those days triggered my grateful response and tendered my heart to recognize God’s goodness.

Another gratitude eruption happened the day I gave blood. “Thirteen point six,” the phlebotomist announced as she read my hemoglobin level. “Thank you, God,” I blurted out.

The technician looked at me strangely, so I explained. “For many years my hemoglobin was so low I couldn’t donate blood. In fact,” I paused, “someone had to give me two pints of blood. Now I donate every chance I get. I’m so grateful to be well.”

Gratitude often wells up on a spiritual level, too. I shared my salvation story recently with a new friend. As I told her my story, all the emotions of those empty and fearful days returned, and I was once again a profoundly lost young adult.

“I’d been living my life my way, and doing a lousy job of it,” I told her. “I was anxious and afraid. I had major life decisions to make and no wisdom to draw from. I went to bed crying and woke up crying.” Tears pricked my eyes at the memory, and I blinked them away.

“Finally, when I couldn’t stand it any longer, I went to talk with the pastor of the church I’d been attending. ‘Lori, don’t you want to surrender your life to Christ?’ he asked. ‘Let him take control.’ His words stirred something deep in my soul. I did want someone bigger and wiser to order my life. I bowed my head and prayed, ‘Lord, I’ve been doing things my way for too long. I don’t want to live this way anymore. I surrender my life to you. Whatever you tell me to do, I’ll do it.’”

“My life’s never been the same since,” I continued. “I have peace, even when things aren’t going my way. I’m not afraid of the future. And I have a wise, loving Father to pray to whenever I need wisdom and direction. I’m very grateful.”

If we let it, gratitude can ride in on a white horse and vanquish the demons of self-pity, comparison, and depression. It can open our eyes to the goodness of God and spotlight his gracious hand in our lives. And it can remind us of how lost we were, and how far we have come.

If you’re struggling this holiday season, will you pray this prayer with me?

Father, thank you for your presence in my life. I’m very grateful you promise never to leave me nor forsake me. Thank you for providing everything I need, and much of what I want. Help me be grateful for what I have instead of dwelling on what I don’t. Lord, I miss the friends and family members who are missing from our holiday celebrations, but I thank you for the years we had together. Thank you for my family—my imperfect, struggling, sometimes heartbreaking family. Help me love them as you love me. Most of all, thank you for sending Jesus – for loving me when I am unlovable, pursuing me when I neglect you, and preparing a place for me where I will live with you forever. I am most richly blessed.




[image error] Dear Hungry for God friends,

I suspect there are quite a few busy women on your Christmas list. Friends, co-workers, fellow church members, and your children's teachers, coaches, and babysitters, to name a few.

If you'd like to give them a gift that will draw them closer to the Lord, encourage them to spend time in God's Word, and think biblically, Hungry for God ... Starving for Time, Five-Minute Devotions for Busy Women is the gift you're looking for.

And what about those friends and loved ones who may not have a relationship with the Lord?

In the last devotion in the book, I share, in a winsome and non-threatening way, what it means to have a relationship with Jesus Christ.

If you give someone you care about a copy of HFG, you'll not only be passing along spiritual encouragement, you'll also be sharing the gospel. Either way, you could change someone's life forever.

And that's what Christmas is all about.



I'm excited to say that
Hungry for God . . . Starving for Time  has 105 reviews and a 4.8 star rating on Amazon. It received the Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year award in 2016.

If you live in the Columbia, South Carolina area, I'd love to autograph and personalize copies for your special friends. Email me at LoriAHatcher@gmail.com.








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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

Yet Another Reason to Believe in God's Word

When I first became a Christian, I believed the Bible by faith. In the 35+ years since, I’ve discovered there are other very strong reasons to believe the Bible is the inspired word of God. I stumbled upon one of them recently in my quest to read through the Bible in a year:

Historical Accuracy 

One of the strongest proofs for the Bible’s origin is its historical accuracy. Take, for example, Ezekiel 29, a prophecy recorded in approximately 597 BC against the nation of Egypt:

“It will be the lowliest of kingdoms and will never again exalt itself above the other nations. I will make it so weak that it will never again rule over the nations” (Eze. 29:15).

You may remember Egypt as one of the world’s first civilizations. It reached its zenith of power during the days of the Pharaohs. This mighty country led the world in military strength, architectural advancements, science, and medicine. We get a glimpse of its power in the biblical account of the exodus of the Israelites in the book of Exodus.

The beginning of the end came, however, when God drowned the Egyptian army as they pursued the Israelites to enslave them. It was downhill from there. Alexander the Great conquered Egypt in 332 BC, then Cleopatra’s death ended its nominal independence. It became just one of the many provinces of the Roman Empire. When the modern Republic of Egypt was founded in 1953, it marked the first time in 2,300 years that Egypt was fully independent.

Now, after more than 2,500 years, Ezekiel’s prophecy still holds true. Egypt is still “the lowliest of kingdoms,” has never “exalted itself above other nations,” and “will never again rule over the nations.”

This example is one of thousands that shows the Bible’s historical accuracy. It gives us one more reason to believe. I’m convinced God will never remove all our doubts, because it’s faith that pleases him. He has, however, provided ample evidence to strengthen and encourage us to believe.

[image error] If you’d like more straight answers to honest questions about God, the Bible, and Christianity, I encourage you to check out Chip Ingram’s new book, “Why I Believe.”

Now it’s your turn. What extra-biblical evidence has strengthened your faith? Leave a comment in the box below and share your thoughts.



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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

Living in a Scary World -- 3 Ways to Take Control

“And then the ugly, old troll said to little Billy goat gruff, ‘Who is that tripping over my bridge?’” 

Determined to entertain my granddaughters without turning on the television, I was retelling one of their favorite stories. I raised my hands like claws and contorted my face into my best ugly, old troll impression as I rasped out, “Whoever it is . . . I . . . am . . . going . . . to eat you up!’” 

My youngest granddaughter, Caroline, had been watching my face with wide eyes during the whole story. When I crouched down to imitate the scary troll, however, my dramatization was simply too realistic for her tender little heart. Her bottom lip poked out, and her smile turned upside down. When her eyebrows scrunched up, I knew she was just seconds away from bursting into tears. 

“No, no, no.” I said, scooping her into my arms. “Don’t cry. The ugly old troll isn’t going to eat little Billy goat gruff. His big brother’s going to come along and rescue him!” I hugged her tightly and planted a kiss on her head. “And they’ll live happily ever after in the meadow eating grass and growing fat.” Another hug and a few more kisses calmed her fears, and soon, all was right with the world again. 

As I reflected on the experience, I realized Caroline isn’t the only one who’s frightened by scary stories. I am, too. Every day I hear of acts of terror, heinous crimes, and unforgivable sins. News streams churn with graphic details and up-to-the-minute coverage. Facebook posts share sad stories of loved ones battling cancer, marital break ups, and local crimes. And if that’s not enough, Live PD provides “entertainment” by riding along with law enforcement officers as they patrol my city. Just what I need – irrefutable evidence that criminals are alive and well and stalking my neighbors. 

We live in frightening days, but we don’t have to live frightened lives. And we are not victims to the things that make us scared. With a little planning, we can not only conquer our fears, but avoid most of them. 

Here are three suggestions: 

1. Filter your news coverage. 

Don’t watch continuous news coverage. You don’t have to click on every video that comes across your feed. While it’s important to be informed, we don’t have to allow ourselves to be inundated with scary stories or graphic film footage. Most of us are over-saturated with information and would do well to limit the time we spend watching the news. For me, the five-minute radio news on the way to work in the morning is plenty. It briefs me on the top stories in the world and in my area, but doesn’t give too many details. 

 2. Choose your recreational reading material carefully. 


Some of my friends like psychological thrillers and murder mysteries for bedtime reading. “I was so scared after reading that book,” one friend told me, “I slept with the light on for a week.” Filling our minds with sadistic, gruesome tales provides rich material for our subconscious (and conscious) minds to work with. Before we know it, we’re checking behind the shower curtain and seeing intruders in every dark corner. 

Philippians 4:8 provides a plumb line for what we allow into our minds. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things.” 

3. Skip the horror movies, graphically-violent, and dark-themed television shows and movies. 

My husband enjoyed watching NCIS when it first came on Netflix. Sometimes I’d watch it with him. While I found the investigation/mystery component fascinating, I noticed I tended to worry a lot more about my naval officer son-in-law after watching it. I know his assignment puts him in harm’s way, and I pray daily for him, but watching the show planted a whole new set of fears in my mind. 

Romans 16:19 tells us to be wise about what is good, and simple concerning what is evil. This verse, paired with Philippians 4:8, confirm that we don’t need to know everything about the dark deeds people commit against one another to stay safe. Some education is necessary to protect ourselves, but graphic details breed fear rather than enlightenment. 

If you, like me and our little Caroline, tend to be frightened by the things you read and hear, why not try a Philippians 4:8 experiment? For one week, filter your news coverage, choose your recreational reading material carefully, and skip the scary movies and television. Choose instead to fill your mind with things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Read a Christian novel, watch an inspiring movie, or spend some time in God’s Word. At the end of the week, assess your fear level. I’m confident you’ll see a positive change. 

Now it’s your turn. Do you struggle with fear? What steps do you take to combat it? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.



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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

Practicing the Fine Art of Tolerance

We live in a culture that prides itself on being tolerant. Tolerance has become our culture’s buzz word.

Unfortunately, our culture has redefined what it means to be tolerant.

Our culture says to be tolerant, we must agree with someone, regardless of their decisions, beliefs, or lifestyle. 

But this isn’t tolerance at all.

Webster's Dictionary defines tolerance this way: 

Tolerance – sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one’s own. 

Pastor George Wright, of Shandon Baptist Church in Columbia, SC, adds further clarity: 

“To be tolerant, there must be conflict. 

 To be tolerant, there must be differences. 

To be tolerant, we must disagree (but never be disagreeable). 

Tolerance is not about agreement. Tolerance is about disagreeing and still finding a way to get along. 

True tolerance says ‘I don’t agree with you, ‘ or ‘I don’t think you’re right, but I still love you. I still care about you. And I’m not going anywhere because of my care for you.’” 

Martin Luther King would be considered intolerant by today’s standards. 

He said, “I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” He was intolerant of people’s prejudice, and he spoke out against it. But he did it respectfully and with love. 

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness,” he said, “only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” 

Abraham Lincoln would also be considered intolerant by today’s standards. 

He disagreed with those who supported slavery. But he did it respectfully. He said, "Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves; and, under a just God, cannot long retain it. 

Consider this example from a letter to a colleague: “You think slavery is right and ought to be extended; we think it is wrong and ought to be restricted. For this, neither has any just occasion to be angry with the other. " 

And the greatest example of all, Jesus would be considered intolerant by today’s standards. 

He spoke truth that was hard to hear, but necessary. To the religious and the non-religious alike he said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the father except through me."   But he said it respectfully and with love. 

And he demonstrated that love. “Greater love has no man than this,” he said, “than he lay down his life for his friends.” 

These three are powerful examples of how to be tolerant without watering down what we believe. 

From their examples, I’ve developed three life goals. 


This is how I intend to practice tolerance: 

1. While I may not agree with someone’s ideas, I will always strive to honor them as human beings, created in God’s image. 

2. While I may not agree with what someone says, as Evelyn Beatrice Hall said to Voltaire, “I will defend to the death (their) right to say it.” 

3. When I disagree with someone, I will strive to separate the issue from the person. I am free to reject ideas, but I should never reject people. 

Tolerance doesn’t mean we water down or compromise our convictions in deference. As Mahatma Ghandi said, “Tolerance obviously does not disturb the distinction between right and wrong, or good and evil.” 

Firmly-held beliefs are not the enemies of tolerance, they are the foundations of tolerance. 

In its truest sense, as Ghandi said, “Tolerance is the only thing that will enable persons belonging to different religions (political parties, social agendas, sports teams) to live as good neighbours and friends.” 

The freedom to disagree is a right granted by our country. 

The responsibility to disagree is a standard given to us by our Creator. 

The apostle Paul instructed the church at Collosse, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” 

These are my goals: 

To unashamedly embrace my convictions, 
Respect my fellow man, 
And practice tolerance wherever I go. 

I hope they will be your goals, too.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on tolerance (as long as you're respectful). Leave a comment below and join the conversation.



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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher