JUNE 2017
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growth can occur. If we’re persecuted, we’ll
have an opportunity to develop sympathy and,
eventually, empathy for others who are
persecuted. That empathy can and should lead us
to reach out in love to try to alleviate the
suffering of others who are persecuted. And, of
course, love is our primary job here on earth.
Love, which is rooted in empathy, which is
rooted in suffering like persecution, is our ticket
to heaven. And, that’s why Jesus says BLESSED
are the persecuted.
Here is a modern parable based on a true
story.
Rod was vice-president of a New York
based sales rep firm. His company sold national
advertising for local TV stations.
In the late 80’s Rod needed gall bladder
surgery. He was given a pint of blood during the
operation. The blood was tainted, and Rod
developed AIDS.
Rod was a good looking man. A strong
man. He prided himself on staying in good
condition.
Over the course of three years,
Rod went from 205 pounds to 115 pounds. He became
gaunt, skeletal. His face was covered with sores.
Rod supervised a team of sales people. Before
his AIDS, he also regularly visited the stations his sales
team served. Because of his AIDS, Rod stopped
personally visiting the stations. But, he stayed in touch.
He called often. Rod’s boss, though, thought that even
those phone calls might make some of the company’s
clients uneasy. So, he polled the stations.
Every station general manager gave Carl the
same answer. “Don’t you dare stop his phone calls.
Rod was always a great manager, but his AIDS has
helped him to also become a caring, kind man. He’s
always asking us about our families and our problems.
He has hugged his AIDS, and it has made him into a
beautiful person. The way he has responded to his
AIDS has made him a great personal gift to us.”
Rod’s AIDS was, in effect, a persecution. But,
even though it’s an oxymoron to be blessed by
persecution, Rod hugged his AIDS and it made him “a
personal gift” to many. Jesus says follow Rod’s lead.
Photo by Christie Bourg
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