Politics aside . . . . . .

      I have been working alongside a woman of great strength. She and I differ vastly in our political beliefs and that could be the cause of great arguments for sure. But such discussions are really not suitable for the workplace and so we came to an unspoken truce at some point to simply do our jobs. Quite a novel idea, eh?  And low and behold, out of this work environment and collegiality came a respect for each other.  We each have faced our demons in many ways, major illness, cancer and world sadness, sad to anyone who breaths even separated from politics.  We are of similar age too and have come to wisdom that such an age can yield having faced pain, illness and the death of loved ones. We have come to know what is truly important in life and the politics can be put aside in respect and that, that perhaps is a secret of the universe.

        In today's Scripture passage we have a litany of people who are commended. In my reading I would be lightening quick in noting that there was a woman deacon in the early church. Yes, woman were intimately involved in ministry in spite of the Roman Church's power grab and ideological tramping of history. But I leave that aside like I was at work and read onward.  The list of people is no different than my coworker whose politics we leave out. We focus on what is most important and realize the faith, love and companionship is the key.  

      Can we move forward in life simply knowing each one of us is imperfect but still loved? Can we focus on what is most important in life and not get overwhelmed with the political position or correctness or sides?  It worked for me and my coworker.

Romans 16:1-16

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae, so that you may welcome her in the Lord as is fitting for the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well.

 Greet Prisca and Aquila, who work with me in Christ Jesus, and who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert in Asia for Christ.Greet Mary, who has worked very hard among you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives who were in prison with me; they are prominent among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. Greet my relativeHerodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus.Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; and greet his mother—a mother to me also. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who are with them. Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.