::seeing beyond clearly and compassionately::
Look to your left. Look to your right. Look at the people right next to you. Look at those farthest from you. Look at your friends who you care about deeply. Look at your family who you love even though they drive you crazy. Look beyond, look deeper. See them. See imago dei in them. See them for who they really are. What do you see? Do you see the burdens they are carrying? Do you see the questions that torment them every day? Do you see the shame and guilt of the past? Do you see the image of God handcrafted in them? Do you see them the way God does? Do you see how they are ridiculed, shamed, looked down upon because of their appearance, lifestyle, decisions, or dreams? Do you see how the blood of Christ has covered them too, making them clean and forgiven? Do you see any of this? Or are you fooled like everyone else by the veneer of nice clothes, well done makeup, confident attitudes, and the air of a person who's "got it all together"? I know I am. I am both the o