[Propertalk] Proper 10 c rcl - new ending

[Robert P Morrison]

Friends,

I had wondered, and received some comment about, the original ending I wrote.

I know "straight" is a hot-button or code word, and I used it intentionally to convey some of that. However, friends have commented that it creates a thought which they knew I didn't intend, so I have rewritten the end to read thus. Of course, it's still up for editing!

Bob

	Bamboo Charlie may be God’s plumb line for the city of Los Angeles. He may be at least one of the people of God against whom others are to be measured. God DOES have plumb lines. God DOES give measures – NOT to be discouraging or punitive, but to show just what being on the level and upright really means. All of this has to do with the way we inter-relate with one another. It has to do with the way that we reflect concern for the planet on which we’re offered the opportunity to be nurturing. It has to do with how we respond to pain, and evil, and all their siblings.
	Being square – with God and with one another – means bursting through all sorts of preconceptions about who we are and what our values are. Living by both prophet and Gospel evangelist means seeing through all the social and cultural expectations which prevent us from being fully human, from seeing who our neighbours are. This means reaching out to bind up EVERYONE’S wounds, cleaning up wherever people live. Being true to God’s plumb line – actually BEING God’s plumb line – means giving everyone another chance to make a difference for her and himself. Standing tall – and have you noticed how tall Bamboo grows, given half a chance? – standing tall and plumb means making a difference for the whole community, but especially for the ones who’re struggling so much because no one notices what help they really need.
	The U.S. author and humourist, E.B. White is quoted as saying, “I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult.”
	No one said life would be easy. All God hopes is that we’ll learn to walk erect, as God intended!

--
Robert P. Morrison
Interim Vicar
The Episcopal Church of St Alban,
P.O. Box 1556,
Albany, Oregon, 97321

541-921-1076 (cell)
541-967-7051 (church)