lightly

So often I've walked about with my foot in my mouth ... at least that's my perception of myself. To go fully and bravely into any situation does require some sense of sure-footedness, yes, but brashness it needs not. Stepping lightly and respectfully into situations can be tricky, though. In the clean swept tent of the refugee tribe, settled on the edge of farmer's field, my respect is deep. I honor their perseverance to make their world the best they can in an environment of mud, soot, and chaos. Here it is a pleasure to tread lightly, and honor, as I stand in awe of them.

In the refugee camp where the wide-girthed, financially well endowed man comes to find a child bride, because his doctrines tell him that he is being kind and caring to marry such as these, I find that stepping lightly takes on a different slant. Here it is better to risk my life to protect that child than be light-footed.

Stepping Lightly then no longer holds value. Worldviews have careened into each other, and while I may respect this man's human right to have a differing perspective, that child's right to not be abused overrides any thought I might have that my being politically correct, honoring of our differences, tolerant, or inclusive may have wished to portray.

Unfortunately, my little human attempt to stomp my foot and send him packing is  ignored. This is when we need those who can stand up and say no. Those who can set boundaries. Those in power.

This is when it is crucial that those people on this earth who have Good Government value this. Those entrusted with power should have say so. Sometimes the very people least thankful for what they have are those who have never been caught between corruption and anarchy.

Having been on pilgrimage with victims of war, human trafficking, and radical Islam, I see people left powerless. I can not thank God enough for nations who have leaders courageous enough to draw lines and call their citizens to law and justice. Honor should go to those leaders who not only have the power to call out the best in their people, but also  those who empower them to  'live and lead tranquil and quiet lives in godliness and dignity' as Paul mentions in 1 Timothy 2:2.

Stamping feet or treading lightly is all but a butterfly kiss without authority. Choosing to step in and stand up for Justice gets mowed in under the mafia and the powers-that-be ...  but for leaders who dare to say enough is enough. Today I am pondering this Scripture, and thanking God:

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered on behalf of all men for kings and all those in authority, so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior. 1 Tim 2:1-3