Love Thy Neighbor

Really?  Do I have to?  Oh, come on God!  This commandment is so hard.  Surely, you don’t mean it, do You?  “Love my neighbor!”  Well, if you could see my neighbor, maybe You would understand.

You see, this now 47-year-old-grey-haired-Hott-mama-of-four (yes, I had a birthday), feels a little like we are living next to the Hatfields and the McCoy’s.  This IS West Virginia, by the way.

But, the last time I looked, this is also the year 2012!  Isn’t it?!  So, why is it that we happen to border property with some of the most unusual folks around?  For someone such as myself that just loves to play the host, cook for crowds, and entertain on a regular basis, it seems that no matter how I attempt to express “love” to those on the neighboring 95 acres here next to us on Hott Mountain, I am met with comments like; “STAY OFF MY LAND!”  and “I HAVE TO PROTECT MY PROPERTY!”

From me?  I just thought it would be fun to have a cup of coffee with you after you walked a half mile through the woods to yell at me.

Or, shoot your guns outside my house!  Scare my kids!  Argue with my husband!  Terrorize my family!  (Wait, what century is this?)

No.  I am not exaggerating.  Dan and I have received a certified letter from our gun bearing neighbors that we will be prosecuted if caught trespassing.  Us.  Following this, we were witness to a 90 minute display of gunfire right outside my kitchen door.  Twice in two days we have had to leave our home to seek safety elsewhere.

Protecting their property, from us?  The only threat we may pose is a run away ball, curious child, or maybe my bad singing a little too loud out here in the hills.  Frankly, it is none other than a foolish display of hatred and an attempt to evoke terror to my unsuspecting children and anxiety ridden husband.  Isn’t it just like a bully to pick on the guy with a chronic illness, Parkinson’s Disease.

So, please send us your prayers for peace, love, and protection.  It has been difficult to watch my hott-hubby’s anxiety.  The situation affects our children emotionally and him physically, showing increased cramping in his left leg from distonia and a fly-away left hand for which he is already medicated. Thankfully, his ICD (internal cardiac defibrillator) has not shocked him… yet.   If it is not an outburst from the neighbor or his fly away gunfire aimed at Dan, it will be a fall from his exacerbated Parkinson’s symptoms over this mess that will kill him.

“Jesus replied:  ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”  – Matthew 22:37-39

I’m trying, Lord, I’m trying.

Copyright © Angie Hott, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved