I don’t get to use the word flabbergasted much. It simply means greatly surprised or astonished, but it sounds more striking, so I’m going to use it today.

Flabbergasted. That’s the state I’d have to say I’ve found myself in more than once in the past couple of years.

As I see and hear the responses to local, national and international events from people who I’ve worked with, worshiped with, and even shared meals with, I’ve had multiple occasions to realize just how little I know about the people I thought I was close with, and I’m, well, flabbergasted!

Publicly, I’m a fairly low-key guy, so you’re not likely to trip me up after a reckless social media post or outburst at a gathering somewhere.
The river runs deep, though. I’ve just learned to listen more than I speak.

Moreover, other than emergencies, I believe a little thought goes a long way before action.
So when I see the public outcry and people tearing one another down in response to wars, sanctions, Supreme Court decisions and new legislation, I am often greatly surprised or astonished — especially when it comes from people I’ve locked arms with.

I take the collective charge to the Church (capital C) seriously. Here’s what the Apostle Paul had to say about us staying on the same page: Ephesians 4:1b-6 ... I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

This is clearly a call to unity. It’s a call for us to remain friends and continue working together toward honorable goals no matter how much we may disagree.
It’s a call to recognize that though many things may attempt to divide us, through humility, gentleness and with patience, there is little that can succeed in doing so.

There is no doubt that we live in a world and culture that adopts rules and enacts legislation that runs counter to the Truth of who God calls us to be. Yet, we must endure and even flourish.
I’m with you, friend. I don’t agree with everything I read in all caps on social media the other day, but I understand you better and am still willing to talk it out and work together for a better tomorrow.