MY NAME IS

**One of my favorite movies is Dances With Wolves. Costner has basically taken on his new identity as a member of his new found Indian tribe but has to return to the fort for his diary. He then is taken prisoner by soldiers who bind him and demand that he explain his actions. Finally, he decides not to talk in English anymore and in his new language declares only one thing to his captors and that is his new name. Well, today I declare my new name. My name is "a new kind of Christian."
*I am a devout follower of the way of Jesus, and the Jesus I know is not afraid or judgemental of people who travel the paths they best know toward the love and reality of God. He joins their journey.
*My name is Christian and I choose to show great love and respect and be in relationship with all people including both heterosexuals and homosexuals because that's what Jesus would do.
*I am a Jesus dude and I choose to love and serve along with all my brothers and sisters in Christ whether they be conservative, liberal, a little bit of both, or labels we haven't even heard of yet.
*My name is child of God and within God I live and move and have my being.
*I am Christian and I view our wonderful Bible historically, metaphorically, and sacramentally.
*I am a Christian pilgrim and I am human, still learning, seeking to live the Jesus life and bring about the Kingdom of God on earth, and on the adventure of my life.

My name is ...Craig...and, along with the Costner's of the world, I seek to find and hold on to my diary , that is my story with God, as well as my new language and tribe.