I am a collector of bears. Yes, I know, bears are for toddlers, but at eighty-four we some times have toddler characteristics, so welcome to my stuffed family. 

Recently I received a gift of about a dozen new bear “cousins” to add to the family. In celebration, we had a meal together. A pair of newly adopted cousins joined two long time family members for a snack. As I look at the picture, several thoughts dash through my mind. Yes, again, older folk still pause long enough to think, especially as they resurrect memories. As I reflected on these memories, I also associated each with some part of my Christian life.

The guy with the red shirt and shades reminded me of a job I had in 1960-62, working for a school textbook company. His sweat shirt “bears” the name of Houghton Mifflin Company.  For two years I shared the “good news” about a special reading program designed to encourage young kiddos to learn to read. A goal in my life has been to share the “good news” of Christ with others, teaching and reaching out with love and energy, just as my consulting job with HM required me to do.

A wee bear on the right was a gift some time ago. Gifts are given because someone cared about you. Often the kindness and generosity of the giver creates more emotion than the actual item. The thoughtfulness and love of your friend remains long after the wrapping is ripped from the gift package. Is that not true of our gift of salvation? The love of the giver, God, should remain in our hearts for ever, not just at the moment of acknowledging the receipt of the gift of eternal life.

These four little guys in the chair are now part of the “Ransom Tribe”. You will notice that their fur color varies from light to dark, yet they huddle together as loving cousins. No questions as to their birth nation, family background, or ability to carry on traditions of their new home land were uttered by any of the four. So it is with my Christian family of brothers, sisters, cousins, wee ones, persons of color, or new comers to the area. We are each children of Christ’s family and our Father welcomes them with open arms. Hopefully I am as welcoming to all as the Savior.

Finally my memory notices that the quartet is preparing for a feast. On the table before them are two dishes, each with family memories. The child’s dish is quite old fashioned. If you peer closely, you will spot a place where warm water would be poured in by the adult, prior to placing food in the bowl. This thoughtful step by the parent demonstrated they cared. The pitcher belonged to this author’s father, a small remembrance saved over the years, and now part of this initial, imaginary dinner.

Families do this. They gather together for a meal, often generating precious, joyful, and heart breaking memories . Christians also are encouraged to gather weekly around the “table” and celebrate. As we partake of the bread and sip the juice, we take a moment to remember the sacrifice of Christ as he sacrificed his body and blood for us. Wonderful, but also sad, memories of this special gift. (I Corinthians 11: 17-34) Paul reminded us, though that disagreements should be shelved during this memory time. All “family” members must be included in our fellowship and welcomed.

So today, dear reader, you are welcomed into our “Ransom Tribe” as an adopted member. Let’s celebrate the memories of God and his love for each of us, regardless of our age, education, financial condition, color, or ethic background. We are truly members of the Family of God.