We desire
I love this photo & quotation, so you get both.
From our com padres at Ginkworld:
We desire:
To celebrate the diversity of the individual. Discrimination, on any basis of gender, race, ethnicity, appearance or distinguishing characteristics is unacceptable. We appreciate the individual and encourage them to use their creativity appropriately in-group settings. We strongly encourage people to be who God desires them to become, and not what others place on them as limitations.
To understand and develop our need for authentic and caring friendships. We understand that all of us want true and lasting friendship, but are not sure how to develop them, and not sure how to act when we do. We believe small groups are the key to developing such relationships. We believe that small groups allow us to develop intimate friendships in a caring and participating environment, while allowing us to express our individuality.
To truly experience the fullness of God in our lives. We desire to open our lives to God, and in so experience His full power and love. We believe this is accomplished by our desire to study, be in fellowship with others and share our understanding of God with those around us.
To love people and help them develop a healthy wholeness. We desire not to judge, we desire strongly not to judge. We see people, all people, as having value to God and seeking to know how God is working in their lives. To help people see the wholeness of self, we believe we need to help them look deep inside who they are, and see the junk that clogs their lives. This is messy, and time consuming. But we believe it to be central to our understanding of how we are to be in relationship with others, and God.
God transforms people at their core. We, as people, may want to develop shades to help us deal with certain issues in our life; still, God is God. We believe we can share the truth in a gracious and loving way – Jesus never shared with those seeking God in a mean spirited, hurtful way.
To help people mature in their walk. We believe we are all walking this thing we call life together, and as such we need to be willing to walk with each other. Walking alone is lonely – walking with others allows us to help carry each other when needed. Faith, and faith development, is challenging – it can alter us at the core of who we are, and we strive to be challenged and moved ahead in our walk of faith.
