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Karen Spears Zacharias

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A Word of Danger

A Word of Danger

Last updated on: September 16, 2011 at 11:12 am by Karen Spears Zacharias

A Word of Danger 2011-09-16T11:12:32+00:00 Karen Spears Zacharias

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THEM is the most dangerous word known to mankind.

THEM N-s.

THEM Chinese.

THEM Homosexuals.

THEM Muslims.

Over the course of this past week, I’ve heard those terms used in casual conversation.

What do you think of THEM homosexuals?

All of THEM Muslims are named Patel. They own every gas station and motel along Interstate 40.

THEM Chinese own us.

I told her not to be bringing THEM N- babies around me.

—-

What do you think I did when I overheard these statements?

That’s right. I did nothing. I said nothing. I tried to change the topic. I looked away, purposely avoiding eye contact. I acted like I hadn’t heard them, or pretended like they hadn’t meant to say what they said.

I felt guilty about not saying anything, but I also felt guilty for wanting to say something. I thought my correction would be perceived as being impertinent, arrogant or bossy.

Strange isn’t it, how launching into a full-blown rant would have been considered rude on my behalf, but ignoring such offenses makes me a polite person?

In reality all it really makes me is complicit to a great evil.

Living Christianity rightly ought to make us extremists.

Extremists for love and justice and goodness.

It should not make us blind, deaf and mute.

Jesus never commanded us to go and live politely.

He commanded us to go and love our neighbors as ourselves.

All of THEM.

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