LESSONS FROM HERO-#5

THE FINAL IN THIS HERO SERIES---

" I HATE THEM ALL---NO MATTER THE COLOR, SHAPE, OR SIZE---THERE IS NO CAT I DO NOT HATE--

WITHOUT EXCEPTION! "  So says Hero.

Earlier in the week, I stated Hero would stay right by my side--come what may.  I did not tell the truth.  If Hero spots a cat---unless on leash---he is off to the races.  He has never spotted a cat he did not hate and try to go after.  As in making every effort to do bodily harm to said poor cat.  Thankfully most cats are wary---for good reason.

We all know there are cats that are not afraid of dogs and dogs who are friends with cats.  In Hero's world---if it looks like a cat, sounds like a cat, and dares come within eyesight--he is doing his best to attack.  Hero thinks "NO cat is a good cat!"  In Hero's world--if it is a cat--there is nothing which can redeem that.  He has no tolerance for any cat--and does not even give them a glimmer of a chance---simply because they are a cat.

SO---have we all become a great deal like Hero?  If we meet someone who does not look like us, smell like us, think like us, and in essence emulate those we surround ourselves with--do we refuse to give them a chance.  In fact, we go on the attack--without really knowing the complete person.  We refuse to even bother to get to know them---because they are  _______________you fill in the blank.  Our prejudices have morphed and now encompass philosophies --political, spiritual, economic, and on and on.  We have come a long way when it comes to race--but have walked across the street to philosophies.  We have taken a turn and decided if someone is not on the same page with us---we are unwilling to even listen and have a friendly discussion.  We are unable to see through the thick curtain of prejudice and look for commonalty.  We seem to firmly believe when Jesus told us to love one another---He only meant those who reflect our image.  HMMM---I am thinking this over--who do I hold prejudice against---and refuse to give a chance?  I am certain--I am guilty---and need to address this in my life.  How about you?

"And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart,

all your soul,

all your mind, 

and all your strength.

The second is equally important"

Love your neighbor as yourself.

No other commandant is greater than these"

Mark 12:30-31