You and I Are Basically the Same

One of the things I've discovered about people during my wandering days, or rather had reaffirmed to me, is that people are generally good, that they want to do good, and are so helpful and kind. The world, fear, and distrust get in the way. It does not define us. Our weaknesses do not make us. It is not our spiritual heritage. The word salvation partly implies to salvage. We are not perfect. . .yet. God is, to the degree we allow Him, changing us and beautifying our souls. There is something great about each of us that God is trying to bring out. And that is why everyone is someone. We all want the same things. We all fear the same things. We are all trying to get to the same place. This is the biggest hurdle. One I am still trying to fully understand with my whole heart. Once we cross this barrier -- realizing that each pair of eyes we meet are just as human and salvageable as God whispers to us that we are -- loving becomes easy. Detached from this revelation, cruelty and inhumanity abound. I'll never forget on the mission and even during times driving the run down parts of North Charleston where I'd have a moment of clarity. I'd see all the cars around me, and they'd become more than just moving metal boxes with flesh and blood inside. They became more than obstacles to weave in and out of to get faster where I needed to go. I saw human beings, all created of the same God, hundreds of them, passing me by. Vision would become blurred by tears, and a pure love would swell within my breast. I believe that is the pinnacle of human existence. To be able to feel that way about everybody we meet. I'm nowhere near that, but I know it is real.

"Whenever we lose ourselves and service to others, and feel pure love for another. That is the Holy Spirit sanctifying our souls. At that moment we are literally being cleansed by the Atonement of Jesus Christ."
-S. Walker