Prior to my first trip to the Middle East a decade ago, I’d been aware of the plight of Jews and Palestinians – both locked in a struggle that all-too-often appears as one without answers and maybe even fewer reasons to hold hope for a peaceful resolution.

In a world of conflict, the Israeli/Palestinian situation seemed as deep, complex and constant as any conflict on earth.

Knowing that it would follow closely on the heels of my participation in the ‘Pathways to Peace’ summit in Amman, Jordan, I decided the timing might be right in re-engaging the Land in order to more clearly hear what God might be saying.

If I may be vulnerable: A part of me wanted to listen. A part of me did not.

The voices in my head were multiple: Ten days. That’s a chunk of time, I reasoned, and it’s not like I’m silent on this issue anyway. And it isn’t like a plethora of others much more qualified than I aren’t addressing this situation – realistically, what could I bring to the table? I’m just one person.

But then there was that voice in my heart – you know the one – the one that won’t be silenced, the one promising that if I’d listen and follow that something wonderful would occur that otherwise would fail to manifest itself.

In the end, I knew what I needed to do. So I went.

What I discovered was more than I can share in a blog post or even a series of such posts and a big part of me wonders if people even have the stomach for it anyway. So I’ve decided to spend this week and possibly next sharing some of what I saw and heard and experienced and then defer the rest of my thoughts to a brief e-book on the issue, available for free to any who desire to explore this situation in greater detail.

In today’s post I thought I’d share a thought or two about those who also made the trip with me. It was a group of authors, activists, pastors, singer/songwriters, a journalist and others who are very much gifted in reaching out to others in bringing healing to the nations. Honestly a part of me felt out of place and even a bit insecure in being part of such a group… I guess those old voices never quite leave us, do they?

However, gifted as these folks may be and impressive as their resumes are, it all pales in the light of the greater issue of who they are as children of God – Love. This was a group of twenty of the most authentic people I could ever ask to be a part of. For ten days they all shared from the depth of their passion, humor, insight and love – and because of this, I will forever be a better person for it.

To me, they are my heroes. Does that sound odd? Maybe come off as an overstatement? Not really – not in the context of Hebrews 11, Scripture’s chapter of the great heroes of faith. Like those heroes of old I’m fairly certain the people I travelled with to Israel/Palestine have their weaknesses, shortfalls and struggles too – but I’m also certain they are willing to live and die for peace and justice among God’s creation. And I’m certain I want people like that surrounding me on all sides in a life I have partly chosen and that has partly chosen me.

Oh, and one more thing – maybe the most important thing – you can be a part of this list of heroes too! You don’t have to be super-human to qualify, just human; a person of love and passion toward those who are oppressed, confused, angry, disappointed, poor and searching for better ways of being in a world that has not always been kind to them.

So what do you say – can we invest a little time together in a few posts to address this situation further? I hope so. And I hope you’ll point a friend or two this way as well – the people of Israel/Palestine will welcome such love and attention with open arms. And I think God will too!

Stay tuned.