"Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow."-Isaiah 1:17
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." -Proverbs 31:8-10
"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked."-Luke 6:35
Repeatedly in the Old Testament we see a God who is an advocate for the oppressed, a God who gives a voice to the voiceless, and a God who remembers the faces of those who have been forgotten. We often want to distance the face of our problems away, and reduce our enemies, to one dimensional beings. But when we limit people to an isolated event, which can not only disregard interpretation or understanding, we take away their worth and humanity. When Jesus chose his disciples, he saw more than just tax collectors, zealots, rebels and outcasts, he saw children of God, multifaceted, beautiful, messy people. Jesus took the time to try to understand why people were the way they were. It is often easier to listen to the dominant voices in our life to make sense of our experiences, but when voices in our life seem to confirm our prejudices, we limit our ability to love, and be loved, by people. Although it is gentle and softly spoken, it is extremely important to try to listen to how the Spirit sees all of creation. When we do so, we open ourselves up to viewing, and accepting, the potential that lies in every individual. Just as we are so much more than our shortcomings, so should we also try to view our enemies , in love.
Simple Living
A vital part of living in simplicity is trying to stand in solidarity and remembrance of our brothers and sisters around the world who are under resourced and impoverished. In remembrance of our brothers and sisters in Iraq, I have joined a silent protest that stands in opposition to the use of drone warfare. It is a monthly meeting that hopes to bring awareness to the issue that has taken the lives of many innocent civilians in the war by distancing the faces of people away to and reducing them to merely targets on a screen. Not only is it unjust, inhumane, with horrific outcomes but ultimately, it is probably not something that Jesus would do. http://www.livingunderdrones.org/
I am in! After an interview with Michael Brix on Friday, October 20th, I have been taken on as a part time volunteer to Yes! And.. performing arts collaborative. I will be volunteering with a group of students (ages k-4th) Tuesday-Thursday during the after school program. Yes! And.. offers the community a summer theater camp, studio classes including a choir ensemble, acting and visual arts classes as well as advanced acting class for middle school aged students.
Hey folks, I could use your help! As I try to live out
this second year of intentionally learning, living and loving any prayers or words or encouragement would be greatly appreciated. I also have a remaining financial need of $4,905 dollars to help fund my full immersion into this way of life that covers all of my living expenses for the year, including groceries, public transportation, rent and more. I welcome your partnership this year and invite you to consider becoming a one-time or monthly donor.
I am equally thankful for your ongoing spiritual and financial support. I pray that God blesses you in all that you do this month and would encourage you in the pursuit to love your neighbor as yourself!
Simple Living
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