Just got back in from picking up a few things for dinner with Allan, our regular Monday night guest. While walking to the car in the Publix parking lot I saw a very "verbal" SUV. It had Seminole flags on all 4 corners of the roof and a good half dozen bumper stickers stating the owner's viewpoints. I'm good with that. Everyone should have their own thoughts and as Americans have the right to voice them. I'm not one for bumper stickers, although I do have a Toms sticker on the back window. It's not really a bumper sticker, so it's now faded and a bit weather worn.

The SUV had one sticker that shouted out above all the others. It shouted because of the very bold colors and font: BEWARE OF LIBERALS POSING AS AMERICANS! hmmm...I wonder if the British monarchy thought the early founders of our country to be liberal thinkers.

I'm actually trying very hard right now to develop a loving Christ-like nature. It apparently hasn't taken hold yet because my first snarky response to the SUV owner was, "They're probably Christians." That was followed quickly by what I thought might be a fitting sticker to place along side it: "Beware of Christians posing as Christ Followers." David laughed at me as I inwardly mused of having my own bumper sticker made with my retort.

We - all of us - have to be more grace-filled, more merciful. Speaking out is one thing but speaking out with a mean spirit is quite another. It's one reason I don't discuss politics. Just won't go there because I rarely have conversations with people - agreeing or not - when the conversation doesn't become ugly. Liberals hate the Conservative's stances and Conservatives hate the Liberal's stances. Oh, that we could bottle the passion behind the convictions! Then, we might could get somewhere. I know - call me naive. It wouldn't be the first time.

For now, I've got to work more on that Christ-like nature.