From time to time, John Little will circulate to the Social Justice Ministry inspiring snippets from devotionals he receives. He recently sent the following which comes from Church of the Savior's Inward/Outward project; some of us liked it so much we decided to share it with the wider congregation.
Space for change to take place
(From Reaching Out by Henri Nouwen)
Hospitality means primarily the creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy. Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place. It is not to bring men and women over to our side, but to offer freedom not disturbed by dividing lines. It is not to lead our neighbor into a corner where there are no alternatives left, but to open a wide spectrum of options for choice and commitment.