One day, Grampa told me the story of his arrival in America. It was May 24, 1883 when the family arrived at Castle Garden in New York. Grampa never forgot the crowds and turmoil in the city that day. It was overwhelming and scary. Soon they learned the reason. Just four miles away the awe-inspiring Brooklyn Bridge was being dedicated that very day by President Chester A. Arthur. All of New York had gathered to celebrate! The fireworks were spectacular! It was a day this seven-year-old boy would never forget.  

After 14 years in construction, the steel suspension bridge – the largest ever built to that date – spanned the East River to connect the cities of New York and Brooklyn. With its Gothic towers and unprecedented length, the bridge was dubbed the “eighth wonder of the world.” More importantly, this connection between the people of Brooklyn and Manhattan changed the course of New York City forever.

Not all bridges are structures. Many are bridges developed to span the differences between two people, two groups, or two nations. When we really listen to our neighbor, work to understand his predicament, and offer our hand in support, then we too are bridge builders. Bridges bring us together. We were never meant to live a solitary existence; much of our life is spent building the bridges that connect us with others.

Jesus was the perfect bridge builder. He built bridges between himself and people of all sorts. Most of all, He is the greatest, highest and strongest bridge ever built. He is the bridge over the river of sin. He is the mediator that reaches from God to man. He spans the chasm between earth and heaven. Now that’s a connection that only God could build.

You too can build bridges of friendship and understanding. You can build bridges to carry the news of God’s love to someone else. God will help you in your building. He’ll help because He loves you. God loves you unconditionally.

Judy

Posted in June 2017