Appointed

My friend Ben wonders aloud,

In John 15:16, Jesus says “I have chosen you and appointed you to go and bear fruit.”
That person who lives under the bridge? He or she was appointed.
Those who sit in a wheelchair and cannot speak? They are welcome.
Jesus said "You are welcome". 

Ben D. Anderson, the author of the book, "IQ of 63, So What?" travels the country as an advocate who provides training to churches, community civic groups, schools, universities, businesses, and professional groups.  travels the country as an advocate who provides trainings to churches, community civic groups, schools, universities, businesses, and professional groups.  The training offers rehabilitation education and advocacy for and about people with disabilities to encourage and enlighten the public about people with disabilities in that they are people first and have rights and needs and that they also have gifts and talents to bring  to the community.

Ben takes the words of Jesus to heart -- these words that calls all of God's children to abide in Jesus' love -- these words that calls all of God's children to love one another.

Like Ben, I am convinced that the time to love one another completely and without condition is now.  The time to respect, appreciate, celebrate, and attend to one another is now.  The time for searching for reasons why someone should be excluded is over.

You have been chosen and appointed to love.  I have been chosen and appointed to love.  We have been chosen and appointed to love.

Any questions?

How Wide is Your Welcome?

Ben  D. Anderson is a friend of mine.  He's also the founder of  Break Through, Inc. Break Through is a non-profit organization that provides leadership training to churches, community civic groups, schools, universities, businesses, and professional groups.  Ben was born with cerebral palsy, grew up in the small town of Kenmare, North Dakota. He's a 1992 graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Stout at Menomonie, Wisconsin and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Rehabilitation with an emphasis in community-based rehabilitation. Ben shared a moving and inspirational message today at  Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Somonauk, IL.  If you'd like more information about Ben or you'd like to contact him to have him come speak at your church or other organization, please visit his website. 

“How Wide is Your Welcome?” podcast