Yesterday, in Belfast, Ireland, Carl and I stepped into a city rich with history, beauty — and complexity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the top of a hop-on, hop-off bus, we saw so much — the grandeur of the Queen\u2019s University Belfast, the story of the Titanic Belfast, and the sobering reminders of division through murals and Peace Walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There has been deep division here — between Protestant and Catholic communities — rooted in history, identity, and politics. Years of tension. Years of hurt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And yet — as I listened, I realized something.
We know division too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Back home in America, we see it in politics, opinions, and even within families. Different sides. Strong feelings. Lines drawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Division isn\u2019t just a Belfast story — it\u2019s a human story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But then — right in the middle of it all — God gave us a moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Carl and I hopped off the bus for a quick stop (you know — one of those urgent ones — and found ourselves near a little shop. Inside, warmth. Kindness. Conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A young mama — with her baby and husband — was there, buying a sweet little outfit with these words on it: \u201cLittle Protestant Princess.\u201d We smiled, visited, and shared a moment that had nothing to do with labels — and everything to do with love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a place known for division — we found connection.
\u201cBlessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.\u201d (Matthew 5:9)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maybe bridging the divide doesn\u2019t start with governments or grand speeches. Maybe it starts with us.
A smile.
A kind word.
A willingness to listen instead of label.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLet us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.\u201d (Romans 14:19)
Wherever we are — whoever we are.
We can choose love over hate.
Connection over isolation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because at the end of the day, we\u2019re not defined by sides —
We\u2019re defined by the One who calls us His own. And love?
Love still builds the bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Truth is — whoever we are and wherever we are — love is still the bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#lovecanbuildabridge #connection #belfast\ud83e\udd0d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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