Letter from the Editor

From THE EDITOR

Accept one another. Why is this so difficult for us? Why is it so hard to love people who are different than us? Yet somehow, it is so easy for my kids. They seem completely indifferent to skin color, economic levels, disabilities, and intelligence. They have this natural inclination to love their friends (classmates) and have a deep desire to be loved in return. Several years ago, I dropped one of our children off at a birthday party. The neighborhood was a little run down, and the friend’s house needed repair. I caught myself being critical and wondered how my daughter would feel about staying there. When I picked her up after the party, she told me all about the fun she had, and the creative things the mom had planned for them. Never once did she mention that she felt uncomfortable in her surroundings. At that moment, the Holy Spirit stirred in my heart. I was moved by my daughter’s ability to accept her friend with love, without criticism, without judgement. She was filled with joy because she was invited to a party and felt like she belonged.

This is what Jesus calls us to as believers. I’ve been reading Saint Francis of Assisi by G.K. Chesterton. There is this beautiful story of Francis as a young man who lost almost everything he had. He was on a journey, unsure of his destination, and he encountered a leper on his path. He froze for a moment, not sure what he should do. “Francis saw his fear coming up the road towards him; the fear that comes from within and not without; though it stood white and horrible in the sunlight…then he rushed on the leper and threw his arms around him.”

I want to love like this. I want to run towards my brothers and sisters in Christ and throw my arms around them! So, reach out and welcome one another to God’s

glory. Jesus did it; now you do it! (Romans 15:7, The Message)

- Lisa Blake ’94 Director of Alumni Relations

COUGARNOW ONLINE

Read this and other issues of CougarNow at phoenixchristian.org. We’d like to hear from you. Send your emails to cougarnow@phoenixchristian.org. To support this online and print publication, please visit phoenixchristian. org/support.

Volume 15 • Winter 2021

SUPERINTENDENT Jeff Blake EDITOR Lisa Blake DESIGN Brian Cole of Revolution Graphics PHOTOGRAPHERS Dorian Studios, Miriam Murray CONTRIBUTORS Steve Woods, Barb Tomb BOARD OF DIRECTORS Claude (Bud) Allison, Jamie Clifford, David Fitzgerald, Juan Gonzales, Pete Hamstra, Daryl Layne, Aleta Lynch, Jeff McGee, Steve Woods

1751 W. Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85015