I've wanted to write this post for a long time, but haven't had the words and frankly, just didn't know how to go about writing it so that it sounded thoughtful and intelligent and heartfelt. Apparently, today's the day and I hope I get it right. If not, feel free to tell me...just be nice about it.
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I'm frequently asked 'Are you Jewish?' a question no doubt prompted by the fact that I wear a Star of David. The short answer is 'No'. Less curious folks let it drop. Occasionally, someone will press me to elaborate and I'm happy to accomodate them. Here's my extended version answer...
I wear a Star of David because I want the world to know that I support Israel and her people. Period. The fact that these people have been under attack from all sides for thousands of years and still manage to survive and thrive proves to me that God is truly for them. Not to mention the fact that my Bible says the exact same thing. No, I don't think that by supporting Israel or Jews that I'll earn my stars in heaven. The Bible clearly says that anything I do to try and earn my way to heaven just won't cut it. Yes, I'm one of those dinosaurs that reads and believes what the Bible says. You're free to think differently.
No, I'm not out to convert any Jews to Christianity. I find that charge fairly amusing considering I have a hard enough time trying to do what Jesus wants me to do without going to the trouble of mucking up anyone else's chance at eternity. Nonetheless, I have been accused of trying. Frankly, I'm flattered that anyone would think I have that much ambition.
The other day, I came across this blog post from Arsen Ostrovsky who was discussing the numerous rockets falling on southern Israel and he asked if anyone cared that his country was under attack. Yes, Arsen, I care. I'm no media or political muckety-muck; I'm an average suburban American mom. And I care. That declaration won't get you anywhere, but there it is.
My open support for Israel and her people has opened my eyes to what other people think of the issue. And it isn't pretty. I've been forced to reevaluate how I see and interact with certain people, many of whom I called friend. No, supporting Israel hasn't made me popular and I certainly never thought it would. I'd get more high fives for hugging trees or polar bears than I ever will for supporting Israel. But it's what I feel is right and I'm not now, nor will I ever be, ashamed to call myself a friend of Israel.
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I'm frequently asked 'Are you Jewish?' a question no doubt prompted by the fact that I wear a Star of David. The short answer is 'No'. Less curious folks let it drop. Occasionally, someone will press me to elaborate and I'm happy to accomodate them. Here's my extended version answer...
I wear a Star of David because I want the world to know that I support Israel and her people. Period. The fact that these people have been under attack from all sides for thousands of years and still manage to survive and thrive proves to me that God is truly for them. Not to mention the fact that my Bible says the exact same thing. No, I don't think that by supporting Israel or Jews that I'll earn my stars in heaven. The Bible clearly says that anything I do to try and earn my way to heaven just won't cut it. Yes, I'm one of those dinosaurs that reads and believes what the Bible says. You're free to think differently.
No, I'm not out to convert any Jews to Christianity. I find that charge fairly amusing considering I have a hard enough time trying to do what Jesus wants me to do without going to the trouble of mucking up anyone else's chance at eternity. Nonetheless, I have been accused of trying. Frankly, I'm flattered that anyone would think I have that much ambition.
The other day, I came across this blog post from Arsen Ostrovsky who was discussing the numerous rockets falling on southern Israel and he asked if anyone cared that his country was under attack. Yes, Arsen, I care. I'm no media or political muckety-muck; I'm an average suburban American mom. And I care. That declaration won't get you anywhere, but there it is.
My open support for Israel and her people has opened my eyes to what other people think of the issue. And it isn't pretty. I've been forced to reevaluate how I see and interact with certain people, many of whom I called friend. No, supporting Israel hasn't made me popular and I certainly never thought it would. I'd get more high fives for hugging trees or polar bears than I ever will for supporting Israel. But it's what I feel is right and I'm not now, nor will I ever be, ashamed to call myself a friend of Israel.
