Bridges and Bombs

I recently came across a song written by Aaron Niequist, who is a worship leader at Willow Creek Church in Chicago. The song has a catchy tune and simple lyrics. One of our singers at Crossroads chuckled a little because it reminded him of a folk song from the 60s. In a way, I guess that's right. But I think it bears singing, reflecting and listening to given what we are experiencing now. The chorus goes:

But love, love can change the world
Oh do we still believe that love
Love can change the world
Oh do we still believe that love, love
God is love, our God is love and love
can change the world.

The things that catches my attention is the line "Oh do we still believe?" That is a question for us in our Lenten journey. In a season where we are listening for God and looking for new images, we are still experiencing disaster and war. Just this week, bombs began to fly over Lybia. I am torn because it would appear the NATO forces were doing it for humanitarian reasons (to protect citizens from Ghaddafi's forces). However, where does it stop? Do the bombs keep dropping so that we rid the world of another dictator? Maybe that's the answer...maybe not. I know that good people of faith are on both sides of this issue. But, it raises a lot of questions...

Which brings me back to the song. The opening verse goes:

Bridges are more beautiful than bombs are. Bridges are more beautiful than bombs.
Listening is louder than a lecture. Listening is louder than a shout.

I like the images of bridges. They connect one thing to another. Jesus was a bridge builder between us and God. We are bridge builders between each other, and between the church and humanity. I want to invite us all this week to look for ways that we can be a bridge in someone's life. Where can we connect someone with the love of God. Through our service? Through mercy? Through our compassion? Through listening? Through giving? What will it be for us this week?

Bridges are, indeed, more beautiful than bombs are. Do we still believe that love can change the world?

Let's find out.

Joy and Peace,

Jimmy

Check out Aaron Niequist teaching this song to the folks at Willow Creek. (Be careful, you'll be singing along pretty quickly).