Anything You Can Do
Square(s) Filled: Girl Power for @spnfluffbingo2019
Warnings: playground antics, flirting, fluff, ahhh, IDK, it’s fun! Implied sex as payment (it’s REALLY not what you think)
Summary: Jared opens his man-child mouth and it’s on! It’s a karaoke battle for the ages and the ladies are in it to win it! But, when this crew shows up, there are no losers!
Pairing: Reader x past OC, Rob x Reader, Jensen x Briana
Word Count: 4455
Written for: @spnfluffbingo2019
Beta’d by: @alleiradayne who was crazy enough to support this idea from the beginning and my dear @amanda-teaches, whom I would be lost without.
A/N: I wanted to do something really fun and who of us wouldn’t be up for some of this on a Friday night???!!!! All the songs were painstakingly chosen for reasons. There are also some shameless plugs for my boys Louden Swain.
Also a shout out to my friend Beth @brooksba, who took all the amazing photos found in the graphic below!
It was a rare convention weekend when all the guests showed up on a Friday. The green room was fuller than normal as Jensen, Jared, Rob, Rich, Briana, Kim, Y/N, Ruth and the boys from the band sat around shooting the breeze. The green room always had a relaxed and playful atmosphere and this time was no different.
“Oh come on! You cannot burp the alphabet!” Jared scoffed as Briana picked up a warm soda from the table and opened it.
“Why, cause I’m a girl?” she challenged him and the room exploded with the disbelief of all those in attendance that Jared dare say such a thing to her, or any of the women on the convention circuit.
“Well,” Jared looked around sheepishly, waiting for someone to help him.
“Nope. You’re on your own with this one pal!” Rich slapped him on the back. “You have awakened the beast.”
“I just mean, you’re little and…” Jared tried to come up with another reason. Christ, Gen was going to kill him when he got home.
“I may be little but I am fierce, Jarpad,” Briana grinned and chugged the soda. It wasn’t long before a symphony of belches in the form of the alphabet song erupted from her. “Anything you can do I can do better. I can do anything better than you.” She sang as she high fived Kim and Y/N.
“No, no, no. Not this again,” Jensen chuckled, shaking his head.
“Oh yeah! I am so down for this. And this time, a wager perhaps?” Rich went into full on emcee mode. “What do y’all say about a battle for the ages? A karaoke battle, if you will. It is Friday after all.”
“Yesss!” The women shouted.
“Winner picks the losers costume for the next convention?” Rich continued, knowing he had the ladies all in for this. “Fellas? You gonna back down from a challenge?”
“Hell no! I’m in!” Matt Cohen raised his hand.
“Yeah, I’ll do it. I mean, I am a professional,” Rob joined him, making eye contact with Y/N shyly across the room.
“Can’t leave my fearless leader in the wind. I’ll do it,” Mike Borja threw his proverbial hat in the ring, looking at the last three.
“Don’t look at me! I don’t sing!” Jared backed away slowly.
Jensen glanced to Jason, then back to the women, all with shit eating grins on their faces. “I’m probably gonna regret this, but okay. Jason and I are in.”
“Wait, how did I get wrapped into this? I’m not an idiot like Jared!” Jason defended.
“No, but you are a team player buddy and we need you if we’re going to stand a chance,” Jensen replied, looking to Briana with a wink.
“Splendid! The rules are simple. I, and only I, will pick your songs. No one else will know what you are singing but me. Now, go. Be gone. Out damn spot!” Rich grinned ear to ear as he pulled out his phone, making the most epic list of his convention career.
~*~
“Y/N, girl, are you gonna tell him or not?” Briana asked her pointedly when they got to Briana’s room to get ready for the Karaoke Party.
“Yeah, did you see the way he was looking at you?” Kim chimed in.
“You guys, I just ended a really bad relationship and he’s my friend,” Y/N said. “I don’t want to ruin what we have.”
“Then don’t. Just ruin him for all other women!” Ruth giggled.
“Oh my god Ruthie!” Y/N hid her flushed face behind her hands.
“And may I point out that you didn’t ‘just’ end that relationship. It’s been over for weeks officially,” Kim reminded her.
“And you gotta get back on that horse sometime. No time like the present I say!” Briana laughed.
“Come on, Y/N. You’re an overachiever! Just go out there tonight and be amazing; sing your rock song. This is real life, babe and if you’re lucky, you’ll get a leg up on him and he won’t know what hit him!” Kim encouraged.
“All’s fair in love and war and karaoke battles,” Ruth chirped. “This is how you’ll win the big one, Y/N, ready steady.”
“Okay, okay okay! I get it. Gosh, you all sure know a lot of their songs,” Y/N rolled her eyes as Briana dragged her in the bathroom to curl her hair.
“Aha! You know all the songs, too!” Kim shouted.
“Yeah, yeah,” Y/N smiled at Briana in the mirror.
“You’re gonna knock his socks off,” she smiled back.
~*~
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Friday Night Karaoke! Boy oh boy, do we have a special treat for y’all tonight! During some green room antics earlier, a challenge has been issued,” Rich paused, waiting for the audience to quiet some and let him finish his intro. “Tonight, with you good people as witnesses, will be a battle to battle all battles! The ladies versus the men
of Supernatural will battle it out for bragging rights right here on this stage!!”
The crowd exploded in cheers and applause. Rich drew a slip of paper from the bowl and the first few fans sang their songs to roaring applause. Briana, Kim, Rich, Rob and Matt all joined in on stage for the fun.
“Please may I get a warm welcome for Miss Y/N Y/L/N!” Rich announced.
Y/N walked through the curtain, kissing him lightly on the cheek and whispering in his ear. “I know what you’re doing Rich. I’ll get you back for this.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about darlin’. Now go, sing!” Rich shooed her from his side.
The beat started and Y/N started rocking her body with its rhythm. “Yeah!”
“I’m coming up so you better get this party started!
I’m coming up so you better get this party started!
Get this party started on a Friday night
Everybody’s waiting for me to arrive
Sending out the message to all of my friends…”
The crowd was going wild, bouncing and singing along as Y/N worked them into a frenzy with her first song of the evening. If this was any indication of how the night would go, she didn’t care who won, she was having a damn good time, and she made sure the crowd was too as she finished her song.
“Well, well, well, I guess we really got this party started now!” Rich laughed, pulling another name from the bowl.
“Please give it up for Miss Briana Buckmaster!” Rich shouted as Briana walked forward.
Briana took center stage in front of the screen. She was holding her breath, praying Rich didn’t pick something lame. When the screen lit up and the music started, she gave it everything, knowing they had this shit in the bag.
“Step back gonna come at ya fast
I’m driving out of control
And getting ready to crash
Won’t stop shaking up what I can
I serve it up in a shot
So suck it down like a man
So baby yes I know what I am
And no I don’t give a damn
And you’ll be loving it up
Some days I’m a super bitch
Up to my old tricks
But it won’t last forever
Next day I’m your supergirl
Out to save the world
And it keeps gettin’ better…”
From the first word, the crowd was loving it and singing along with her. Jensen watched discreetly from the side of the stage, cursing Jared for opening his gigantic mouth, but loving the view. Man that girl could sing! And the way she moved…mesmerizing, and he couldn’t take his eyes off her. It definitely keeps getting better.
Briana finished off her song and Rich stepped up to announce the next name. “You know, Robby, we’ve been doing this for how long? Four, five, sixty years?”
“Oh about sixty I think, from how old I feel at the end of a convention weekend,” Rob quipped, the audience breaking out in laughter.
“And never, in all that time, has this next person ever, ever, graced us with his presence on a Friday night. Did you know that?” Rich asked Rob.
“Never, ever?” Rob repeated.
“Never. So without further ado, please welcome to the karaoke stage for the first time EVER, Mr. Jensen Ackles!” Rich stepped away, letting Jensen saunter on the stage. The crowd was deafening and could not believe that Jensen would not only attend the Karaoke party, but actually participate!
“Thanks buddy. Don’t make me make you regret this,” he chuckled as the music started and he shook his head. He looked to the side and made eye contact with Briana, a knowing grin on her face.
“Revvin’ up your engine
Listen to her howlin’ roar
Metal under tension
Beggin’ you to touch and go
Highway to the danger zone
Ride into the danger zone
Headin’ into twilight
Spreadin’ out her wings tonight
She got you jumpin’ off the track
And shovin’ into overdrive…”
Jensen was never one for karaoke, but loved to sing and did so with everything he had. The song, while not special to him in any way, held a new meaning after tonight. He looked out among the crowd and was energized by them.
“Out along the edges
Always where I burn to be
The further on the edge
The hotter the intensity…”
Jensen closed out his song with vigor, feeding off the fans, much like he does at a Saturday Night Special Concert. He tossed Rich his microphone and practically bounced off backstage.
“Robby, I think you know what I’m going to say,” Rich paused for dramatic effect.
“Rich, I might play God on television, but I don’t know what you’re going to say. I might actually be afraid of what you’re going to say,” Rob turned to face the audience, a knowing look on his face.
“Well Bobbo, we’re gonna turn it up a notch. Please put your dirty little hands together for the one, the only, Miss Kim Rhodes!” Rich roared and the crowd went nuts. Kim ran out onto the stage, a smile splitting her face from ear to ear. She was always a fan favorite at karaoke and Rich knew with the song he picked, this would be no different.
As soon as the music started, Kim threw her arms in the air and started stomping her feet along with the beat.
“County road two thirty-three under my feet
Nothin’ on this white rock but little ol’ me
I’ve got two miles till he makes bail
And if I’m right, we’re headed straight for hell
I’m goin’ home, gonna load my shotgun
Wait by the door, and light a cigarette
If he wants a fight, well, now he’s got one
And he ain’t seen me crazy yet
He slapped my face, and he shook me like a rag doll
Don’t that sound like a real man?
I’m going to show him what little girls are made of
Gunpowder and lead…”
“Come on! I can’t hear you!” Kim screamed. “Let’s make sure everyone knows we’re having a fucking good time tonight!”
“Well, it’s half past ten, another six-pack in
And I can feel the rumble like the cold black wind
He pulls in the drive, the gravel flies
He don’t know what’s waiting here this time
I’m goin’ home, gonna load my shotgun
Wait by the door, and light a cigarette
If he wants a fight, well, now he’s got one
And he ain’t seen me crazy yet
He slapped my face, and he shook me like a rag doll
Don’t that sound like a real man?
I’m going to show him what little girls are made of
Gunpowder and lead…”
The decibels were so high, it was a miracle anyone could hear anything after Kim finished, whipping the crowd into an even higher gear.
“Well, Kim really knows how to put on a show doesn’t she? You think she gets that from Zach and Cody?” Rich turned to Rob, who could only shake his head at his friend.
“I will end you Speight,” Kim’s voice carried through the PA system.
“Well Bobbo, I guess it’s your turn!” Rich quickly got back to business.
“Well this should be fun,” Rob commented, waiting somewhat awkwardly for the music to queue.
Now, the Black Crowes were a good band, a great band, but Rob wasn’t sure if this was the kind of message he wanted to send. But he undoubtedly knew it was exactly the message Rich wanted him to send.
“Baby here I am
I’m the man on the scene
I can give you what you want
But you gotta’ come home with me
“Girl, you have no idea how into you he is,” Briana cooed, her red lips just inches from Y/N’s flushed cheeks. “I couldn’t have picked a better song myself.” She just smiled, throwing her arm over her friend’s shoulders as she watched Rob work his magic on the crowd, and Y/N.
I have got some good old lovin’
And I got some more in store
When I get through throwin’ it on
You gotta’ come back for more
Boys will come along a dime by the dozen
That ain’t nothing but ten cent lovin’
Pretty little thing, let me light your candle
‘Cause mama I’m sure hard to handle now, yessir'am
Action speaks louder than words
And I’m a man of great experience
I know you’ve got another man
But I can love you better than him
At first Rob felt dirty singing this, knowing Richard’s intent behind it, but by the end, stealing glances at Y/N throughout the song, Rob threw caution to the wind. He ran to the side of the stage and sang directly to her. It was no secret to everyone that Rob had a giant crush on her. It was only lost on her. Maybe he could get her to notice.
Take my hand don’t be afraid
I’m gonna prove every word I say
I’m advertising love for free
So you can place your ad with me
Boys will come along a dime by the dozen
That ain’t nothing but ten cent lovin’
Pretty little thing, let me light your candle
'Cause mama I’m sure hard to handle now, yessir'am…”
Y/N was blushing furiously, her mouth agape as Kim and Bri led her backstage for her next song. She looked like she could use a stiff drink. Or two. Ruthie was headed out just as they walked in. She winked at Y/N and skipped behind the curtain as Rich called her name.
Ruth was a great entertainer and sang a fun filled rendition of Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, getting the whole crowd involved, even pulling a few fans up on the stage. Mike Borja even joined the fun, then followed it up with ZZ Top’s Sharp Dressed Man. The crowd went wild for Matt Cohen as usual when he came out rapping Macklemore’s Can’t Hold Us like a beast and Jason slowed it down a bit with Tom Petty’s I Won’t Back Down.
“We’ve got a few more songs for you good people tonight and I know I appreciate you letting these fools take over your karaoke party. Whaddya say we get Jensen back out here?” Rich addressed the screaming fans and it got even louder when Jensen made his way back through the curtain. “Oh Ackles, you’re gonna love this one!”
Jensen gave everybody the most epic bitch face that ever bitched when he realized what song was playing. But, ever the consummate performer, he rolled with it and knocked it out of the park in a way that only Jensen can do.
This hit, that ice cold
Michelle Pfeiffer, that white gold
This one for them hood girls
Them good girls straight masterpieces
Stylin’, wilin’, livin’ it up in the city
Got Chucks on with Saint Laurent
Gotta kiss myself, I’m so pretty
I’m too hot (hot damn)
Called a police and a fireman
I’m too hot (hot damn)
Make a dragon wanna retire man
I’m too hot (hot damn)
Say my name you know who I am
I’m too hot (hot damn)
And my band 'bout that money, break it down
Girls hit your hallelujah (whoo)
Girls hit your hallelujah (whoo)
Girls hit your hallelujah (whoo)
'Cause uptown funk gon’ give it to you
'Cause uptown funk gon’ give it to you
'Cause uptown funk gon’ give it to you
Saturday night and we in the spot
Don’t believe me just watch (come on)
Briana watched from the wings, her skin heating up as she watched Jensen dance his dorky self across the stage, high-fiving fans, slapping Rich on the ass and stealing Borja’s hat. He could never pretend to be grumpy for long, and she got the feeling he was loving the whole experience and getting closer to the fans that the normal concert allows.
Before we leave
Lemme tell y'all a lil’ something
Uptown funk you up
Uptown funk you up
Uptown funk you up
Uptown funk you up uh
I said uptown funk you up
Uptown funk you up
Uptown funk you up
Uptown funk you up
“You better go jump on that!” Kim pushed her out onto the stage just as Jensen made his way over to where they were standing. Briana stumbled right into Jensen, but he easily caught her with one strong arm and pulled her with him to center stage. Briana was never a shy one and she wasted no time doing her worst as Jensen finished the song out, his eyes never leaving her grinding body on the stage next to him.
Come on, dance, jump on it
If you sexy then flaunt it
If you freaky then own it
Don’t brag about it, come show me
Come on, dance
Jump on it
If you sexy then flaunt it
Well it’s Saturday night and we in the spot
Don’t believe me just watch come on!
“Well that was incredible wasn’t it? Watching two of the world’s most beautiful people get their freak on in front of a couple hundred people? But damn if it wasn’t a good time!” Rich laughed, his body rolling forward as Jensen and Briana made their way off stage. “Oh no Miss Buckmaster! You get that fine ass back here! Might as well bring him with.”
“Richie, can I at least pick?” Briana pouted, standing close enough so only RIch could hear her.
“Oh no sweet cheeks! The whole idea was for me to pick the songs!” Rich reminded her. “Besides, the ladies are totally killing it!”
“Yeah, we are!” she smiled. “Fine. Let’s do this.”
Briana killed Whitney’s I’m Every Woman, all the ladies coming out to join her, as they tormented the men, Jason even pulling Jared on stage, so he could see how they were getting beat down by a bunch of girls.
“Brother, it doesn’t matter the competition, women will win every day of the week and twice on Sundays,” Jason slapped him on the shoulder as he headed off stage. “I need a drink.”
“So Rich tells me I’m up for another one. Hit it Maestro,” Y/N smiled. The music started and she knew she had Rich to thank. This song had become her anthem. He had been a good friend and better listener over the last several months and she was grateful for him, grateful for all of them. She could never picture her life without the crazy family she had found.
“This is for every single one of you that has been through hell and came out the other side…like a Winchester,” she grabbed the microphone and readied herself.
“You know the bed feels warmer
Sleeping here alone
You know I dream in color
And do the things I want
You think you got the best of me
Think you had the last laugh
Bet you think that everything good is gone
Think you left me broken down
Think that I’d come running back
Baby you don’t know me, 'cause you’re dead wrong
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone
What doesn’t kill you makes a fighter
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn’t mean I’m over 'cause you’re gone…”
Y/N laughed as she danced around the stage, much like she did alone in her apartment or trailer. She finally felt like herself again.
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, stronger
Just me, myself and I
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone
Thanks to you I got a new thing started
Thanks to you I’m not the broken-hearted
Thanks to you I’m finally thinking 'bout me
You know in the end the day I left was just my beginning
In the end
Bouncing around the stage, Y/N closed out the song to a standing ovation and ringing ears. She had never felt lighter. She hugged Rich, giving back the microphone. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, but I ain’t done yet,” he winked at her. “Robbie, you’re up buddy!”
As soon as the title card hit the screen on stage, Rob groaned internally. The audience picked up the whistling for the first 45 seconds as Rob gave his best friend a piece of his mind, a smile on his face all the while.
“Rich! What are you doing? You totally set me up for this. I’m going to kill you in your sleep, just so you know!”
“Ohhh Bobbo, you’ll thank me in the morning and we both know it. Everyone knows it. Now focus and sing Axl!” Rich slapped Rob’s ass before ducking off stage. Rob looked around and caught Ruth and Y/N off to the side, slowly swaying to the tune.
“Shed a tear 'cause I’m missin’ you
I’m still alright to smile
Girl, I think about you every day now
Was a time when I wasn’t sure
But you set my mind at ease
There is no doubt you’re in my heart now
Said “woman take it slow, and it’ll work itself out fine”
All we need is just a little patience
Said “sugar make it slow and we’ll come together fine”
All we need is just a little patience (Patience)
Mm, yeah
I sit here on the stairs
'Cause I’d rather be alone
If I can’t have you right now, I’ll wait dear
Sometimes I get so tense but I can’t speed up the time
But you know love there’s one more thing to consider
Said “woman take it slow and things will be just fine”
You and I’ll just use a little patience
Said “sugar take the time 'cause the lights are shining bright”
You and I’ve got what it takes to make it
We won’t fake it, I’ll never break it
'Cause I can’t take it…”
Y/N left Ruth’s side and strolled to where Rob stood center stage, his hand wrapped tightly around the microphone, his eyes closed as he whistled the quick few notes. When he opened his eyes, he found her right beside him.
Little patience, mm yeah, mm yeah
Need a little patience, yeah
Just a little patience, yeah
Some more patience, yeah
I’ve been walking the streets at night
Just trying to get it right
It’s hard to see with so many around
You know I don’t like being stuck in the crowd
And the streets don’t change but maybe the names
I ain’t got time for the game 'cause I need you
Yeah, yeah, yeah but I need you
Oh, I need you
Oh, I need you
Ooh this time
Rob looked down at the end of the song, the ballroom booming with cheers and applause, to find Y/N’s hand clasped tightly in his.
“All you needed was a little patience,” she smiled up at him.
“If I can’t have you right now, I’ll wait dear,” Rob admitted, a blush creeping up his cheeks.
“Take it slow and things will be just fine,” she squeezed his hand and they rushed off the stage, only to be besieged by their friends.
“I knew it!” Kim threw her hands up in victory.
“Well that took longer than it should have,” Ruth giggled, sashaying back to the refreshments.
Y/N watched as Jared and Matt both slapped twenties in Jason’s hand.
“You bet on us?” Y/N asked, a mix of outrage and amusement as she looked among her friends, her hand still in Rob’s. His face was somewhere between pride, joy and shame.
“Hell yeah we did,” Jensen chimed in. “Now pay up Buckmaster!”
“I’m fresh out of cash, Ackles. Sorry,” she swayed towards him.
He grabbed her by the wrist, pulling her to him. “ I can think of plenty of ways you can work it off.” His deep timbre practically a growl before he kissed her.
Catcalls could be heard out on the stage no doubt. Rich poked his head through the curtain. “I missed it?”
“Told ya you would!” Kim hollered, holding out her hand. Rich, Mike, Y/N and Ruth all slipped her their payment. “Jas and I cleaned up. Come on folks, first rounds on us!”
“I guess it was a wager in more ways than one tonight, huh?” Rob chuckled, turning to face Y/N, a smile lighting up his face.
“Our friends may have bet on us, but I’m still a winner,” she grinned, lifting her chin to meet his baby blues.
“Yeah? How so?” he asked.
“Well, I’m pretty sure I got the guy, but I am still missing my winnings,” she stepped closer, mere inches separated them and she could feel the heat emanating from his lean body.
“What winnings are those?” he whispered, closing the distance even more.
“I still need your payment on the Buckles bet,” she reminded him.
“Oh yeah, what do I owe you again?” he feigned innocence.
“Let me think,” she murmured, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her lips to his in a sweet and slightly heated first kiss. “I think about a thousand more of those would be a good start.”
“Seems like a steep wager, Miss Y/L/N,” Rob quipped. “But I think I’d like to up the ante.”
“You’re on. Just remember, anything you can do, I can do better,” she giggled under his steady gaze.
“It’s going to be a fun weekend,.” Rob mumbled, grabbing her by the neck and kissed her harder this time, leaving her breathless and wanting more. He pulled away, her lips chasing his. “Patience, my dear. Just a little patience.”
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Book Review and Reflection on Persecution Complex
Journal of An Alien Street Priest:
Persecution Complex
Why American Christians Need to Stop Playing the Victim
by Jason Wiedel
Reflections and Book Review
"Wisdom has built her house
she has carved its seven columns,
mixed the wines and set the table.
She has sent her servants to invite everyone to come.
She calls out from the heights overlooking the city.
Come. eat my food,
and drink the wine I have mixed.
Leave your simple ways behind, and begin to live;
learn to use good judgment."
Proverbs 9:1-3, 5-6.
The predominant narrative among many Christians in the United States today is one of persecution. A Church in Los Angles has sued the government and won, to be able to open up for in door services; Several Roman Catholic Churches in San Francisco are simply acting like junior high's in disregarding the pandemic lock down--"we are being 'persecuted.'" This false narrative of persecution is damaging our witness, and our ministry of sharing the love of Christ with the world. It is placing needless lives in danger. I was once asked if I did not believe that God "protected me", and my response was that God gave me a good mind, and that mind informs me of the danger of the virus, we are to protect ourselves. Wear your masks, maintain social distance, wash your hands!
As we enter the season of political conventions there will be a lot of attention placed on Christianity (our candidates will all carry Bibles in their brief cases), and we will see that the threat of religious persecution "lite" is one of the most powerful ways of motivating people to action. And we are stirred up to believe the false narrative that our survival is at hand. And this particular political persuasion is THE ANSWER.
There are six damaging reasons of the persecution narrative: 1. We feel and act superior to others; We justify antagonism; We dehumanize others; We eliminate conversation and debate; We become immune to criticism; and We ignore the real problems of human suffering.
When we come to believe that our own problems, and the needs of America, are the most desperate, we lose sight of the needs of the world, and we fall into the persecution complex and than we persecute others. We not only overlook the real suffering of so many other people in the world but also those literally under our feet, and we also become blinded to the kinds of suffering we create through our self-centered addiction to fear, which especially now is a real reality.
In Matthew 25 we are given by Jesus a parable about the judgment of humanity. It has a surprise ending because Jesus explains that it is not lots of religious activity or adherence to particular doctrines, or beliefs that pleases God--it is feeding the poor, clothing the needy, and caring for the sick. Justice--spelled out.
Jesus calls us to love our enemies, and to lay down our lives, "No one has greater love than this, but to lay down one's life for one's friends." He is not meaning "white", "black", "red", "brown", "green" "purple" or Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, atheist, rich or poor, friends, but that all people are our friends-- like it or not.
Jesus' example is that of non-violent self-sacrifice. His way of giving until his last breath ultimately exposes his enemies, who would oppose him with strength and violence, as impotent. When the soldier at the cross said, "Surely, this man was the son of God," he was seeing that the might of Rome, which crushed Jesus and ended his life, was actually empty. Jesus' way of peace and humility is what truly held power.
Laying down our lives means that we give ourselves wholly to the needs of those around us. We do not demand that they cater to us, be grateful, or subservient, we love them, we serve them. Let us asked not what our fellow humans can do for us, but ask what we can do for our neighbor.
Each person be they Democrat, Republican, Green, Independent or Polka Dot, are equal in the eyes of God. We can disagree, we can not like each other's candidates, but when the arguments are cleared we stand holding the bag in our hands, and our responsibility is to work in love and respect with one another. Easy, no! Necessary yes!
For you see each day I see people on respirators, sick, and terrified; each night I see young adults on the streets, who are hungry, ill, lonely, dirty, depressed, and in walking with them the political fighting falls away, "the persecution complex" is nil, and whatever you call yourself does not matter--what matters is do you feed, clothe, comfort, house and care and in so doing we hear the words of Paul:
Philippians 2:1-11
Have the Attitude of Christ
2 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God,[a]
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges[b];
he took the humble position of a slave[c]
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,[d]
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. Deo Gratias! Thanks be to God!
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Donations Needed:
We are in desperate need of socks, food, masks, and so your gifts would be appreciated. But regardless, what we have learned through the years it is not that the food, clothing, socks or masks that are remembered, but our presence, simply spending time, listening, and caring for each person individually. That we do in season and out of season. We do money or no money. We do virus or no violence. Thank you for your prayers, your gifts, your kind emails, and your snail mail.
This book we have reviewed and commented upon I encourage you to read, especially during this season of political division and need. You do not have to agree with it, but listen, meditate, and let its message speak to your heart. You certainly do not agree with me all the time, and I know I do not agree with you either, but what I do know and I shout this from the roof tops is that I care for you, and have your best interests at heart in and out of season, even if you support the Polka Dot Party. Ultimately all that matters is that we are children of the One God.!
Fr. River Damien Sims
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Temenos Catholic Worker
P.O. Box 642656
San Francisco, CA 94164
www.temenos.org (pay pal is located here)
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