Celebrate Heritage
Linda Soller | Jun 09, 2025
On June 8th our congregation joined other Christian communities worldwide to recognize Pentecost. It was a time to celebrate heritage and the gift of the Holy Spirit. We had a long row of congregation members who read our verses together, but in different languages. People wore flaming red garments. And since we are Baptists, there was wonderful food afterward from all over the world. For some who never learned a second language or lived in another country (like me) this was close to an out-of-our world experience. We hear so much about making people become like us (whatever “us” is) that we miss the beauty of knowing people for who they already are.
When the Holy Spirit came down there were no comments like, “oh no not you dressed like that”, or “you are from a dirty little town”, or “your family is from the wrong side of the border.” No God does not have time for such pettiness. God’s love is all encompassing and given freely to anyone who wants it. This is not to say that the people who were there at the first Pentecost were not just as surprised and amazed at the spectacle around them. People spoke and more importantly they understood each other. The ancient world, unfortunately, was just as judgmental as ours is today. The Holy Spirit was there for all.
This week as you move about in your world, pause and consider what it would be like if you had been forced to flee you homeland, if you could not speak the local language to buy food or ask for directions, or if you clothing was not weather appropriate, so you were physically miserable. Many of us never have to consider such things, but we should. For we have been charged to love one another. If you love someone you celebrate heritage. Their heritage brought them to you, one way or another. Your heritage has made you who you are, like it or not. God loves us all, so celebrate heritage, don’t pack it away.
Be strong in the Lord and be kind!
Linda
