lunch with a Palestinian (former) Presbyterian...
Today, my family drove two hours to the Lincoln Museum in Springfield, IL. I’ll blog on that experience later, suffice it to say- its a powerful and moving place... but, after the museum we walked a couple blocks to the actual office in which Lincoln practiced law. Just two buildings away was “The Holy Land Diner”.... I looked at my wife, she looked at me-- not a word passed between us, we just walked right through the door into eastern Mediterranean food heaven. A buffet of Felafel, Gyros, Babaganoush, feta, olives, salads, fresh pita, something with onions and okra, in a zingy tomato sauce, tzaziki, -- it was great. Our finicky 9 yr. old even liked it.
The owner was from Bethlehem and grew up Presbyterian. I found this out, as we were up front, paying. When he asked what I did, I told him I was a Presbyterian pastor. He looked at me. And said... I kid you not... ‘Presbyterian, hmmmm... that’s interesting. We no longer go to a Presbyterian church. I go to a Bible church.’
Now, there might be 15 different reasons my new friend is at Springfield Bible Church, none related to our current troubles. But I saw the man’s eyes. He looked me up and down-- my mind raced- is this good? Presbyterian’s are viewed positively by man Arab Christians.
But, I saw the man’s eyes-- he stepped back and became reserved, or did I make this up. All I could think about was the recent news in the media-- I quickly decided I really didn’t have the energy to say-- “But, really- I’m not one of THOSE Presbyterians,” I looked down, and saw the entire front glass display my hands were resting on, was full of olive wood crucifixes from Bethlehem and Nazareth. They were for sale. And all I could see was the man... on the cross.
What have we done? Lord have mercy upon us.
blog 137
Monday, 10 July 2006
