Michigan Welcome

Jim & I made our first trip to Michigan, as a married couple, in August 1997. This would be Jim's first time to meet my family & friends, so we were both excited.

We were driving up from Jacksonville, NC. As we travelled on I-75, coming out of Toledo, OH, and into the always-present construction in that area, we were looking for the "Welcome to Michigan" sign.

We were in bumper to bumper traffic. There was an on ramp, joining the long line of vehicles on the interstate. Every once in awhile, a vehicle would barrel down the on ramp & sneak into the line somewhere ahead of us. Eventually, we moved forward. From behind us, a pick-up truck zipped past & forced its way into the line directly in front of us. We didn't even know it was coming. The driver, held up his middle finger in the back window for us to see. Then we saw the "Welcome to Michigan" sign on the side of the interstate. I told Jim, "There's your Michigan welcome."

We laugh about it now, but in reality, it's kind of sad. I grew up in this state-this culture, where rude people were the "norm." People are more self-serving & self-centered where I grew up. I was so accustomed to it, that it didn't really faze me--it was normal. Sad to say, I've taken a bit of that attitude as my own.

On the other hand, Jim grew up in a bubble. South Dakota. Where everyone is your neighbor (or relative--ha ha.) Everyone is generally polite, gracious & helpful. This, I was to find out on my first trip to South Dakota in January 2001. It was a whole different civilization. Unreal.

Oh yes, there are exceptions to every stereotype. I'm sure there are some rude people in SD. (?? not) And there are nice people in Michigan. (My family & friends are an exception--but they still know what I'm talking about!)

Then there are Christians. It's hard to say that all Christians are nice. It's just not true. That's sad, too. Of course, the word "Christian" has been misused. Christ's name has been misused. People call themselves Christians, when they have no idea what being a Christian means.

I propose we use a new name: Godstock.

We are Godstock!

We are children of God! As such, we should act like it. We should be like Christ. I know, we are still human. We have our faults--we're not without sin. We have our good days & our bad days. But remember, we are Godstock!

Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)

"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

Ephesians 5:1 (NIV)

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."