I’m a child of the 80’s. There is much to love about that decade. Bright colors. The A-Team. Really big hair. Molly Ringwald. It was one of the best decades for movies and music.
I remember excitement turned to sorrow when Space Shuttle Challenger was lost. I look back on summer days in Alabama with mornings playing baseball and afternoons dodging heat and humidity by watching MTV.
More serious memories include signs where nearby ‘Fallout Shelters” could be found. As 80’s kids we were familiar with images of parades of missiles and marching soldiers through Red Square in Moscow. The older kids taught us to “hate” the “Russians.” Adults taught us to fear them because their primary goal was to kill all Americans. I was trained in hatred towards people I had never met, and couldn’t find on a globe. The geopolitical climate was more than my elementary mind could understand.
History happened. The Soviet Union dissolved and a group of nations returned to their roots or started over. The the place known as “Russia” became the mission fields in Eastern Europe. I never knew how much this would change my life, personally.
In the spring of 2004 I traveled to Brno, Czech Republic. The place I knew as Czechoslavakia and part of the Soviet Union was my destination for a mission trip.
I met new friends. I met fellow believers in Jesus. Many Czechs spoke English so it was easy to get to know these wonderful people. With little practice, I learned to love the amazing Czech food.
I met Honza. Honza Dadak has been a good friend since 2004. He’s a year younger than me. He’s never been married. He wants to see God’s Kingdom grow. We have much in common. Although I don’t get to talk to Honza as much as either of would like, it is always encouraging when we talk. I’ve been to Brno four times and plan to go back in February. Honza made his first trip to the U.S. last spring. It was great to introduce him to friends and family.
My friendship with Honza and other Czechs serves as a reminder of the value of all people. On Wednesday, I encouraged you to look for a deeper story and understanding in people. I’ve learned this story over and over throughout the years.
I’m grateful for God’s creativity shown in language and culture. We have let these become a barrier and root for fear and hatred. Many steps led to this friendship, including the fall of the Soviet Union, the spread of the gospel into Eastern Europe, friendships in the U.S. that led to mission opportunities for me to go to the Czech Republic. God was at work every step of the way.
When I finally put aside the foolish myths and lies from my childhood, my “hatred” and misconceptions collapsed. The collapse of hatred and bigotry is of far greater value than a collapse of a political system. Out of the ashes of my hatred rose a beautiful friendship with Honza and many others. The prayer of Jesus in John 17 for his followers to be one was being answered in the hearts of Czechs and Americans coming to know and love one another.
I loved the 80’s. I was a kid and was taught a lot of propaganda. It happened on both sides of the world, no doubt. I’m grateful for the grace of God displayed in our lives that shatters hatred and builds love in our hearts.
Questions for you…
- Have you ever found yourself “hating” or rejecting someone?
- Do you have someone in your life you eventually came to love after you got to know them?
- Is there a place in the world or a group of people that you find it hard to love, and do you need the love of Jesus to change your heart?
I know these questions are a little more personal, maybe stinging. I really challenge you to use the weekend to look at your heart and allow God to do some business with you.
Have a great weekend. See you back here on Monday.
