Being Familiar With The Foreign

Recent events of yesterday and today have driven me to bring (to those of you who read this) a recommendation.

Whenever talking about creating refuge or a place of safety among people, there first has to be a discussion and understanding regarding the culture, the customs, the mores, etc. of that people group and the region of the world in which they live.

If you don't have knowledge about these things, then how do you know if they will accept an offer of refuge or not.  How do you know if they will understand why you're offering it in the first place?  And these type of questions could go on and on.

Before we get into the spirit of Kimbilio too far, I want to recommend a book for you to read.  Sarah Lanier has given us a gift of understanding in her book Foreign to Familiar.  This should be a must read for all Followers of Christ who want to bring refuge to a hurting and dying world.  It's a quick, easy, yet profound, read that will give you not only broad international understanding of culture, (thus helping you to be a bridge builder to life change), but even a specific understanding of individuals.  It could even help you understand your own family!  If you're not a follower of Christ, this book will still benefit you as a responsible, global citizen!

Those of you who are followers of Christ, perhaps, if we would take time to first gain insight and understanding about people and their cultures, it might just encourage us to stop burning books (or "throwing stones"), and actively discover responsible, effective ways of sharing a great message of hope that will be respected, accepted and lived out!

Understand first, then lock arms!
A Humble Servant!