One phrase caught my ear: "Hate your next door neighbor but don't forget to say grace." It catches the hypocrisy many Christians are accused of. We are often accused of giving lip service to loving others, to being inclusive, to caring about the least, the last, and the lost. We are accused of being so wrapped up in each other and maintaining our buildings that we forget about the world just outside our doors. Not good things to be accused of, but now and then maybe we need to be reminded to double-check our priorities.
Today we need to be sure to pray for Roger and Sue Grace on the death of her father.
Loving God, today we need your help so we can walk the talk. Don't allow us to be all talk and no action. Help us to live the life we espouse. Help us to remember that the ones who need us the most are the ones outside our doors. And on this day we especially lift to you Sue and Roger and their family. Hold them in your loving arms as they gather to say farewell to one who has been so important. Let them know they are not alone in their grief.