Moments of defiant challenge come to us all. When they do, we respond or retreat. Examples of those statements are evident in the story of Jesus of Nazareth. He defied brokenness in favor of wholeness and unity. Hate in favor of love; Evil for goodness; Despair for hope…it’s a long list. And while we like to think of Jesus as “meek and mild”, I believe his nature was anything but that. When it came to the welfare of human life, and all the elements of God’s creation, Jesus was like this majestic outcropping of stone, battered by wind and storms, but defiantly anchored to the core of the earth. Perhaps once smooth and beautiful on the surface, the stone has taken on a new look. And isn’t it beautiful, too. Perhaps one might say even more beautiful than the smooth surface that once looked out upon the Colorado landscape.
Today might be the day you are asked to stand in the strength of your faith convictions. Today the wind might blow hard against the structures of love, hope, faith, justice that you have built. If that is the case, be defiant. Have the courage to say “No” to behaviors or beliefs that diminish the principles or practices of Jesus, for he is the messenger and the message, not of vindictiveness and violence, but of creation’s worth and dignity. When the storm shakes the structure, remember the foundation. The basic question in the midst of challenging storms is so simple: “What would Jesus do?” Naive? Never. It must be the first and last question in our minds under all circumstances. If we claim Christ and declare his lordship, then times will come when we must face challenges and decide to live by four words and a question mark. “What would Jesus do?”
Dare to ask, and you will discover who you are along with directions to follow. Four words and a question mark.
Shining Spirit 
Another meaningful message from one of Jesus’ messengers. Thank you.