Mikkelson, Patricia

MIKKELSON, PATRICIA

Today Linda Williams told me that there was going to be an article about the bumper sticker that says, "When Jesus said, 'Love your enemies,' I think he probably meant don't kill them."  I had to start laughing.  I had totally forgotten that this phrase was in a song that she shared with me about 30 years ago when I was recording songs she had written on the tapes Can do! Kids and Drug Free..that's me!  I had this bumper sticker on a vehicle about a decade ago, and it was one of my favorite bumper stickers, along with Ghandi's, saying "an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind."

Recently I took a month to visit four Christian communities, who all stood for the non-violent teachings of Jesus.  At one in particular, there were at least three cars with that bumper sticker.  I took pictures of them, again, never remembering that this was my good friend Linda's saying. 

I feel so happy and honored to know that Linda's phrase is making such a difference. I am definitely going to get a t shirt and bumper sticker to start spreading this message again, and I can say, "I know and love the person who made up this phrase!" 

Although it would be almost two decades before I surrendered my life to Christ, Linda was the first Christian I had ever met who stood for, and attended a church that stood for, peace.  She planted valuable seeds that took a while to sprout. Her song lyrics reflect the kind of person she is, and I feel grateful for all the work she is doing to bring the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven.