Embracing a Controversial Faith
As a follower of Jesus, many assumptions are made about me in this new year of 2017. Insinuations of being narrow minded, not as evolved in consciousness, and accusations of exclusivity are tossed out in conversation and media almost on a daily basis. Yet, I do not waiver from my deep-rooted convictions and life-giving prayer practice. In fact, this is the cornerstone of foundation for impassioned activism.
“If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. “
“Love Cares for Others More Than for Self”
I have dismal memories of being raised on the California welfare system. They are like cobwebs in the crevices of my heart: the lingering stench hanging in the air of over-crowded social work offices, the empty stares of the many people standing in line for the food give-away, and the humiliation of possessing blue tickets to receive free lunch in elementary school.
Redemption: “Deliverance; rescue.”
Between the cobwebs lies the beauty of others’ thoughtfulness and generosity. The light of love penetrates through the grey mist of past wounds. An anonymous gift of after school ski lessons, neighbours who offered coffee and crochet lessons for an introvert teen girl, friend’s parents who embraced me as one of their own, and Christmas hampers overflowing with homemade delicacies permeate the pangs of hurt of years gone by.
The tender acts of kindness from others have forever left deep impressions upon my heart. They were servant leaders who have left a legacy in the way I choose to live my life with a voice of advocacy and actions full of compassion.
“Love Doesn’t Force itself on Others”
My Grandma Dot lived until she was 105 years old. Amazingly, she was of good health and sound mind until the final six months of her earthly journey. From a very young age, I remember how she prayed without ceasing. She had long lists of friends, relatives, and world events right beside her bible. Grandma Dot had a gentle soul and never pushed her faith upon anyone. However, for those who knew her well, they understood how she lived her life and how much time she dedicated to praying for others. I have followed my grandma’s example and am thankful she showed me the way.
“Love Always Looks for the Best”
Truth be told, I can get as discouraged as the next person concerning current world events. Some days I feel like such a minuscule part of the bigger whole. How can I have a positive impact in such a daunting time? I think of the “butterfly effect” and it gives me hope that my actions will somehow have a ripple effect of bringing forth love to a hurting world.
Recently we returned from an outreach trip to Belize. We spent the majority of our time in the heart of the city. Belize is a developing country and has much beauty to offer and also is laden with poverty and strife. This was our second trip to Belize. We stay with a pastor and his wife and offer our time and resources to help them serve their surrounding communities. We do not go with an agenda. We allow opportunities to authentically emerge during our day -to -day life.
A feeding program started last fall. Throughout the three weeks we were there, I assisted in preparing numerous pounds of chicken and cooked rice in the largest pots I’ve ever seen. The program runs twice a week and we served over 40 people each time. By the end of my stay, I recognized some of the individuals and was invited to listen to their stories.
The pastor is well known in the city. His genuine greeting of, “You are beautiful and God loves you” seems to delight even the weariest of souls. He receives visitors on a daily basis. In his absence, I was humbled and touched to listen to stories of joy and hardship. Sometimes I placed my hand on the visitor’s shoulder, cried along as I heard a man share that his wife had died of HIV Aids that day and he didn’t know how he was going to tell his children, or I asked the visitor to wait on the porch as I went in the house and gathered food to share.
“Love Keeps Going to the End”
I never want to forget where I came from. I may never know if my gestures have much impact on others’ lives in this hurting world. But, in the spirit of following those who cared for me and of my dear, Grandma Dot, I will continue to look for the best in this world the rest of my days on this earth!
Endnotes
1 First Corinthians 13:6-7, The Message
2 http://www.dictionary.com/