I’ve read the article.

I’ve heard the talking heads discuss the situation.

I’ve read the blog posts speculating on what happens next.

I’ve watch my facebook feed fill up with support for the Robertson family.

I decided maybe I, too, have something to say.  Something a bit different.

Many of you know that I work with the company that is handling the Duck Commander Cruise.  What most people don’t know, and I do not publicize, is I’m friends with one of the key cast members.  We’ve gotten to know one another over the past year and a friendship has formed.  I don’t post pictures of us on facebook and I don’t talk about it because she gets enough of that from people who don’t know her.   When this firestorm over Phil’s statements hit the media, I reached out to  say  “I’m praying for you and the family.”  My heart aches for the family.  We tend to forget these are real people, with real lives and real families.  While they may be on TV, it still hurts when people throw rocks.

I’ve watch Facebook fill up with support for Phil and family — and I love that!

It’s wonderful when the church stands together in support of a family.

As for me, I stand right in Phil’s camp.  Sin is sin and whether it’s homosexuality or adultery or lying or stealing –it’s sin.  And we have all sinned.  I ask forgiveness  of my sins regularly.

While I love watching the church rally around Phil and the Robertson family, it breaks my heart to see the meanness that accompanies much of this support.

Let me explain —

With every post in support of the Phil and his right to speak, there is another that attacks A&E, the gay and lesbian community, the media, and others.

Why does it feel like Christians, as a collective group, are spoiling for a fight?  We attack the enemy with such a vengeance it’s frightening.

Duck Dynasty has a national platform — they are living out their faith before the entire world.  Phil’s words are resonating around the world.  The support of Phil is heard all over.   And that’s wonderful!   But the attacks from the Christian community are also heard.  I’ve read some incredibly venomous attacks on the A&E, on the gay & lesbian community, and on the writer of the article.  Sure, they were written in support of Phil Robertson and his right to speak his mind — and I support that right.  But can’t we support Phil and the Robertson family without attacking others?  Can’t we love the Robertson and love the enemies of the Robertson family?

This is our chance!  The statement issued by the Robertson family encourages us to love one another.   Let’s show the world how a person of faith responds to such an attack.  Let’s embrace Jesus’ teaching in Luke 6

 

32 “Do you think you deserve credit for merely loving those who love you? Even the godless do that!

And if you do good only to those who do you good—is that so wonderful? Even sinners do that much!  

And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, what good is that? Even the most wicked will lend to their own kind for full return!

“Love your enemies! Do good to them! Lend to them! And don’t be concerned about the fact that they won’t repay. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as sons of God: for he is kind to the unthankful and to those who are very wicked.   Luke 6:32-35

What if we just stood beside Phil in support WITHOUT attacking the media?

 

What if we refused to say unkind words about the gay & lesbian community?

 

What if we just love them?  What if decide to act like the sons and daughters of the Most High?

 

Can you imagine the difference we would make?