Your quote of this line made me pause over it again, after writing it some weeks back. An image came to my mind of a diverse group of kindergarten chidren in a straggly line, some holding hands, some tussling just a bit. At that age, is any one of them significantly wiser, stronger, equipped than the others? Does it really matter where they are in the line as they follow one teacher, as long as they all make it safely to their destination?

I can't imagine that any of us are so terribly far from one another as we too often behave. Thanks for the opportunity to think on this again myself.

I agree with you about the perception as brothers and sisters. Some days I just want to cry when my children are cruel, uncaring, unforgiving with one another. It's a frequent reminder to me of how our Father in Heaven must grieve over the way Christians sometimes treat one another. I'm thinking that I've got a bit more to say when we do the next blog carnival.

Thanks for being who you are.

I gave a lengthy reply there concerning priorities and the appropriate situations in which we admonish and encourage others. I even addressed the context of the headcovering I wear.

I'd invite anyone interested to visit.

"What’s important is that we’re together, on the same narrow path moving in the right direction. It doesn’t matter how far along the path we think we are, or how fast we’re traveling."

Thanks for the great message, Anne.

At the very least, we need to recognize that by sharing God as Father, that makes us brothers and sisters. Brothers and sisters ought to love each other even when they disagree.

Russell, Wendy and Denise, I am grateful for your words of affirmation.

Maureen, I'm touched that you'd note "generosity of spirit." I didn't address it, but living out this message does require a selfless spirit which elevates love and unity above personal feelings, agendas, and even beliefs (when they are not foundational truths).

Kelly, I understand your "ache." It pains me to write the words when I think of all the times I've been injured—and when I have hurt others. I pray that as the church increasingly sees the harm of division over what is not critical, we will finally be one.

Anne, so much truth in your words. Such generosity of spirit. Yours is a message that bears repeating and repeating.