go out among all nations:

the concept of missions has been distorted for me for a long time.
i distorted it really.
missions has had to be somewhere else.
another nation.
another state.
another city.
well that's false.
missions is where my feet tread, my smile reaches and my voice is heard.
we, america, are a nation in dire need of revitalization.
so, just because we are not
the poorest,
the sickest,
the most politically corrupt,
the most economically underdeveloped,
the most dangerous or war-torn,
the most religiously unaccepting,
are we, therefore, excused from being a nation to be sought out and reached?
wrong again.
we are a nation that is wealthy, successful, physically healthy, safe, advanced.
we are a nation with a high suicide rate, a large drug cartel, a severe depression laden society.
if the latter is what comes with the first, i want none of it.
this nation needs love.
every nation needs love.
start small.
start relational.
start.

Matthew 28: 17-20; theMessage

The moment they saw him they worshiped him. 
Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.
Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: 
"God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."


do you get it?
jesus doesn't care if we are freaked out.
he is undeterred by our human emotions.
his plan remains strong and beautiful.
to create relationships and to practice love with all whom we meet.
all. because. he. loves us.
and to this, i can truly say:
"awesome, man."