3. Hospitable Step

"The opposite of prejudice isn't acceptance. The opposite of prejudice is hospitality." Krish Kandiah

When we know someone's story, we gain perspective on the circumstances surrounding their lives. We get to know who they are, not just see the decisions they've made. A common misunderstanding is that we are all the total of the decisions we've made. The truth is, we aren't only a result of the decisions we make, but we are a result of the decisions of others.

The truth is, distance creates apathy, but proximity creates compassion.

I live and work in a community of poverty. I can tell you there are a lot of individuals making bad decisions as a result of the circumstances they've grown up around. Can you imagine growing up in an environment with no father, a mother who's always on drugs, and you are left to raise yourself? Could you imagine being one, two, or three years old wandering aimlessly on the streets with no oversight? Imagine going hungry for hours until you find something to eat. Imagine that you don't have anyone helping you with homework or even making you go to school at age seven and eight. Imagine getting pushed through school because teachers can't afford to take the time to help because you are so far behind. Imagine getting into fights because kids are making fun of you for wearing the same clothes every day. Imagine staying in different places at 13 or 14 years of age. Imagine having no education, no support system, no resources or advocate relationships, and trying to work or get a job. Imagine being afraid for your life and safety daily because of what you've seen and personally experienced. I know, for many of us, it's hard to imagine. But this is the reality for many.

The stories we see on the news are adults who were once children who never experienced the love, care, and support to reach their full God-given potential. Did you know the term 'Inner City' was introduced following a decade of 'redlining?' It's not an accident. We have areas in our city known as the inner city. These decisions of others have had a lasting impact on the lives of many.

When we take the time to listen to the stories of others, we get a heart of compassion which ultimately leads to action. If Jesus can sit at a well with a Samaritan woman who had five husbands in the heat of the day, we can sit with those different from us and listen to their stories.

"We've severely underestimated the capacity of hospitality to change the world," says Danielle Strickland.

Who do you need to sit with to understand their story?

Prayer: Jesus, I want to move beyond acceptance and into hospitality. I want to know the pain and hurt to be a part of the solution.