In past blogs, I’ve hinted at my interest in finding my roots. I’m interested in names and dates, but more than that, I’m interested in what influenced my ancestors to do what they did that put me where I am today. At the same time, I wonder what my descendants will think of my decisions that will put them where they will be. The ripple effect of family decisions may go beyond one generation.
When our son found the woman of his dreams, we were thrilled. She is a warm and loving wife and mother, and we love her as we do our children. She has a world-wide reputation in her field of study and has traveled to several countries to speak at conferences. She’s highly regarded in academic circles and in our family.
Our precious daughter-in-law is from China and has lived in this country for more than two decades. Her family still lives in northern China. The stories she tells about what her family endured during the Japanese invasion of China before World War II and during the Cultural Revolution of Mao make you wonder how they ever survived. It is a miracle that she is here today, but I thank the Lord that she is. I prayed for years that my son would find a good Christian woman who he could love and would love him back. God provided and I thank Him for that.
One of the big news items today is hating people from Asia. Covid came from China so a few people blame all Asians for bringing this on us. There’s no merit to this accusation. The Asian-Americans had nothing to do with Covid and have had to face the lockdowns, wear masks, suffer the sickness, lost business, and all other aspects of the virus just like everyone else. Except now they have to face hostility and hatred on top of everything else.
The biggest fad now is being outraged at something. Anything. Find a cause and become outraged. Stomp around, share nasty Facebook and Twitter posts, and try every way possible to convince everyone else that you are the only one who knows the truth and can provide an answer. The people who don’t side with your outrage are stupid and blind.
The trouble with being outraged is all sense of reason and logic leave. Hunting for truth and explanation is pushed away because it threatens the outrage. The outrage is a demon inside that wants to live and live long. When outrage is fed, it grows and spreads until it takes you over. Beware of what you let grow inside you. Hatred will seep out and make you ugly.
But he that hates his brother is in darkness, and walks in darkness, and knows not whither he goes, because that darkness has blinded his eyes. I John 2:11
I will defend my daughter-in-law from everyone who thinks she doesn’t belong here. She’s my family, and I love her. As the mother of my grandsons, I appreciate how she is teaching them about her homeland. They talk about their American family and their Chinese family. Their world view as young boys is broader than most of other boys their ages. That will be to their advantage as they get older and explore the world more.
Judging people by the content of their character is much better than judging them by their skin color, as ML King Jr. said. You find what you seek, and you’ll find good hearts are found everywhere, no matter how they look on the outside.
…You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Love works no ill to his neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:9-10
Well said.