Day 11: Assumptions

“But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” Luke 1:43

Assumptions seem to be disguised with the word “should”. We should be better. We should be different. We should have more. Be more. Do more. Should. Should. Should. But I think we need to stop “shoulding” all over us. Overlaying our own assumptions in God’s narrative only proves us a fool.

As I continue my own personal path of deconstructing God and discerning the wisdom in the Bible, I want to leave religion behind. I yearn for all the joyful surprises that only God can give. I want to embrace the surprise that a deep connection with God offers.

Then I get to thinking about church. Often when I invite a friend to church, I feel like I can hear the myriad of assumptions happening in their brain. So many of my friends and family have been harmed by the Church taking on the role of the all-knowing-should-er. One of the reasons I have loved Crossroads for 16 years is that it allows me to make time for God in whatever way works best for me. No shame. No blame.

How cool to claim that nothing separates us from God’s love! We get to exist knowing that God’s love travels with us from moment to moment. What’s more, is that God’s love includes a passion to serve others. Love God, love people. What if that was the only assumption we ever needed to make again? Just simply assume that our purpose here on Earth is to love God and love people. What a nice surprise that would be!

—Aisha Thomas