Hidden...Restless...Wanderer

This week "Shamia" decided to go to Greensboro (If this doesn't make sense, read my previous post).  For one or several of a multitude of reasons she decided Anthony's Plot was not where she wanted to stay.  I wrestled in my heart to know how to respond to her when she called asking me to take her to Greensboro.  "You have other options?"  "Why wouldn't you want to stay in the beautiful community that is Anthony's Plot?"  "Is your Greensboro contact going to let you stay there indefinitely or will you end up in the same situation?"  "Are you going to call when you are homeless again?"  Each internal question was smeared with mixed emotions and motivations.  I couldn't help grapple with the question of whether I did enough. After asking God this question, I was encouraged by the Holy Spirit's confirmation that I (and Anthony's Plot of course) was obedient to care for Shamia during the days that God placed her in Winston-Salem.  She heard the name of Christ and saw His love and compassion displayed very visibly during a time of great need. 

So quickly she came into my life and now so quickly she is seemingly out.  And yet in the aftermath the image of a 21 year old woman who is in many ways hidden, restless, and wandering is seared in my heart.  This whirlwind brought me back to sin.  Not Shamia's sin specifically, but the general effects of sin in this world.

In Genesis 1 & 2 God creates and in His creation we see His character.  In the first two verses we understand Him as a God who will shape, fill, and enlighten.  This will happen fully in Christ who is foreshadowed in verse 3 (check out II Corinthians 4:6).  He creates all things as good; man and woman - created in His image - are very good.  In these opening chapters we see God creating His Kingdom.  God as Creator and King rules in such a way that His creation flourishes.  His intended order allows creation to thrive.  Although man has dominion over the earth, he is still subject to God.  It is when man attempts to be like God through disobedience that we see sin enter the world.  The effects are all encompassing and devastating!  Not only does sin seperate us from our Creator, but (as Tim Keller articulates) it also seperates us from ourselves, each other, and creation. 

In the next chapters of Genesis we quickly see the practical effects of sin:

"So the Lord God banished him (Adam) from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken.  After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life." Genesis 3:23, 24

"Cain (who killed his brother Abel) said to the Lord, 'My punishment is more than I can bear.  Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth...'" Genesis 4: 13, 14 

Within the first two human generations, sin drives man from God's presence and results in restless wandering.  And it only gets worse.  By the eleventh chapter of Genesis, God has both destroyed creation (except for pairs of animals and Noah's family) because of the degree of wickedness that existed in man's heart, but also confused languages of peoples and scattered humanity across the face of the earth. 

This is the backdrop of God creating a people unto Himself - a group that was to be set apart, different, holy.  Whereas the effect of sin was that man is hidden, restless, and wandering, now God created a people who are found, have rest, and belong.  In God's Kingdom, His people are to care for one another so that no one among them in is need.  If there is a stranger among them, they are to be taken into their community.  This is the mandate for the church; a witness of being found by God.  Consequently it should grieve us to see a person who is hidden, restless, and wandering (both physically and spiritually).  We should long for them to be seen, known, and find a place of rest.

This of course is accomplished perfectly through Jesus.  He is the great finder of lost sheep and the one who gives rest.  In His family is a sense of belonging and purpose. 

With all this being said, what should my response be to Shamia?  The same as God's response to me.  In the words of the hymnist, Robert Robinson,

3. Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood;
How His kindness yet pursues me
Mortal tongue can never tell,
Clothed in flesh, till death shall loose me
I cannot proclaim it well.

4. O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

Shamia physical reality should grieve me (and I should seek to meet her physical needs) but more so it should point me to my spiritual reality.  Apart from Christ, I am hidden, restless, and wandering.  Praise God that I am found and at rest in Him.

Glimpses of God's Sovereignty

With God's ordained hand on all the functions of this universe, it is humbling when He allows you to be in tune with His sovereign hand in the microcosm of your own life.  The past couple of days have proven to be such an experience for me.

My job allows me to spend much time in the community meeting other leaders who are interested in seeing our city flourish.  In the Southside community, there is a coalition that is forming of like-minded folks who want to work together to see the neighborhood thrive.  One of those coalition members is a group called "Anthony's Plot," a missional community invested in Southside.  While I have met with folks from Anthony's Plot for months, I haven't had the opportunity to visit their home until Thursday when they hosted a meeting about creating activities for Southside children and youth during the summer months.  Being a gracious host, Russ showed me around the house mentioning that there were four people currently living in the house and that they kept one bedroom open for neighbors who found themselves without a place to spend the night.  I was briefly humbled by this notion and then quickly consumed with the meeting agenda and then quickly consumed with life beyond the meeting.

The following day was busy with meetings and to-do lists and incoming interns, etc.  The craziness was set to continue into the night with our weekly Friday night softball game.  With a heavy 5:30 pm rain storm, our 6:30 pm game was cancelled.  Ron and I found ourselves with a free night - a great treasure for us.  Ron suggested we go to Macaroni Grill, one of my favorite restaurants.  I was excited to have a leisurely dinner with him and our good friends, the Mocks. 

After dinner Ron glanced behind the restaurant and saw Barnes and Nobles.  Being a book and magazine lover, he suggested we go and peruse the inventory.  On the way to the store I noticed that my friend Rachel B. had called me.  I thought it a little strange as we didn't have plans to hang out and there was really no reason for her to call me.  I called her back before walking in the store, but it went straight to her voicemail.  Leaving a message, I assumed she'd call me back if it was urgent.  We walked into Barnes and Nobles ready to spend some time getting lost in reading when the first person we see is Rachel B.  How ironic! 

When we saw Rachel she was on the phone with another friend of ours and had a woman to her side.  She quickly hung up the phone and introduced us to Shamia (not her real name).  Shamia had approached Rachel in the parking lot asking her if she knew of any churches in the area.  She explained that she did not have anywhere to go tonight.  Her mother in prison, her dad absent, her grandmother who raised her dead, her cousin who was allowing her to stay with her kicking her out, at the age of 21 she found herself homeless.  She had spent several days at The Bethesda Center for Homeless.  Leaving the shelter with a guy who promised to let her live with him and being kicked out of that house because of an angry ex-girlfriend, Shamia found herself with no options.  She couldn't return to The Bethesda Center.  The Salvation Army was full.  She was literally homeless with no place to lay her head that night.

Going into community ministry mode I quickly got on the phone and started making some phone calls.  I called some friends who are intimately connected with the Salvation Army; no answer.  I called The Bethesda Center; an impatient woman confirmed that if Shamia had been asked to leave for 30 days it was because she did not follow protocol and there were no exceptions.  I called The Salvation Army shelter and they confirmed that they were out of beds.  Our options were dwindling and I could tell Shamia was rightly anxious about where she would spend the night.  Suddenly I remembered my tour of Anthony's Plot and Russ's words of setting aside a room for neighbors who have nowhere to spend the night.  I didn't have Russ's number, so I texted another friend who gave it to me.  I called Russ and explained the situation to him.  He got information from Shamia and made several phone calls.  Finally he said he and the rest of his house mates want to come meet with Shamia.  They wanted to share how their house functions and see if she would feel comfortable staying with them.  I think Shamia, Rachel, and I were all in shock.  Could people really be so gracious? 

While waiting for Russ and co. to meet us, Rachel and I had a great time with Shamia.  Rachel told us about the no-tardy dance party at her school that day and how she was learning all these new dances.  Shamia quickly got on my phone and looked up the videos to the songs letting us see the "professionals" bust their moves.  I think our favorite was the "cat daddy."  The basic move imitated rolling yourself in a wheelchair.  You think I'm kidding?  Look it up.  We laughed and laughed about this dance.  Shamia was hungry so we went and got some Chick-fil-a.  By the time she ate and we looked up some more dance videos, the folks from Anthony's Plot arrived.  Rachel and I excused ourselves, and they talked to Shamia.  I didn't hear much of the conversation, but I know they were explaining how their house functions and asked her if she had any questions.  Her one question was if they were safe.  Great question for a single 21 year old woman anticipating the prospect of spending the night with four strangers.  They assured her that they were safe.

The Anthony's Plot folks went off to talk amongst themselves and so Rachel and I joined Shamia.  I could see the relief on her face.  The Anthony's Plot people were gentle and kind and warm; that was obvious.  It was looking like she would be able to stay with them at least for a night.  They came back and offered her an initial week at their house.  They explained that they have a flow to their house and that they would want her to enter that flow.  They started their day with prayer, they ate meals together, they served together, they had different tasks around the house; she was no exception to this flow if she moved in.  With several questions and a gentle hesitant smile, she agreed.  One of the AP guys asked if she was hungry.  When she said yes, he replied by saying, "you will go to bed full tonight."  They said they wanted to not only take care of the obvious physical needs she had, but also help her get connected to organizations and ministries that will help her get on her feet.  They wanted to see her thrive and, for as long as she was part of their house, use her gifts to bless the house and neighborhood.  As the AP folks prepared to leave, I said to Shamia, "Remember that these are Christians, this is the Church, who is caring for you.  These are people who love Jesus."

Both Rachel and I were teary eyed.  So many thoughts and scripture passages flooded my mind as I reviewed the night.  I had to acknowledge my internal wrestling of mistrust and of selfishness versus a deep compassion for Shamia and recognition that God had hand led us to her.  I thought of Matthew 25 where Jesus equated feeding the hungry with doing it unto Him.  I thought of Isaiah 58 where God described genuine religion as one who provides the poor wanderer with shelter and is the rebuilder of broken walls.  I thought of the the Good Samaritan.  But most of all I thought of Jesus who had been compassionate unto death for the sake of a poor hopeless sinner like me.

Morgan and I drove Shamia to retrieve her bags that she had stored at the bus station and a stranger's house.  While she was getting one of her bags, Morgan explained to me that they had been praying for God to bring someone just like Shamia to them.  They so badly wanted to take in neighbors who had no where to go and help them get back on their feet.  Shamia jumped back in the car and we headed to Anthony's Plot.  We arrived and Shamia walked right on in.  She had her own room.  She had people around her who were going to share life with her.  She had a smile on her face.  With a hug and a commitment to keep up with each other, I walked downstairs and prepared to leave.  Russ was on the front porch swinging on their porch swing.  I thanked him for his gracious hospitality.  I told him he and his companions looked a lot like Jesus.  And I left.

What a night and what a gracious God I serve!  Pray for Shamia and for Anthony's Plot.  And pray that God's Kingdom would come in Winston-Salem as it is in heaven.

A Heart for the Poor

I am grateful that God fashions our heart with specific passions.  As Christians, we should all have a general care and concerns for that which God cares and is concerned about.  But it does seem that some people are specifically passionate about one area or another, be it sharing the verbal message of the gospel, discipling the maturing Believer, reaching the nations, the in depth study of God, etc.  For me, I cannot deny that God has fashioned my heart with a specific passion for the poor. 

My heart preceded my theology.  For years I knew my heart bent towards the poor and oppressed, but couldn't really lay out from Scripture why this was important.  God has graciously made that clear throughout the last several years.  

This morning I was reading The Gospel Primer, by Milton Vincent.  This book was a gift from my sweet sister, Rachel, whose friendship continually points me to Jesus.  As I read through various parts of the book, I came across a section entitled, "A Heart for the Poor."  This section was a beautiful encapsulation of the theology of my heart for the poor.

Vincent says:

"Like nothing else could ever do, the gospel instills in me a heart for the downcast, the poverty-stricken, and those in need of physical mercies, especially when such persons are of the household of faith.

When I see persons who are materially poor, I instantly feel a kinship with them, for they are physically what I was spiritually when my heart was closed to Christ.  perhaps some of them are in their condition because of sin, but so was I.  Perhaps they are unkind when I try to help them; but I, too, have been spiteful to God when He has sought to help me.  Perhaps they are thankless and even abuse the kindness I show them, but how many times have I been thankless and used what God has given me to serve selfish ends?

Perhaps a poverty-stricken person will be blessed and changed as a result of some kindness I show him.  If so, God be praised for His grace through me.  but if the person walks away unchanged by my kindness, then I still rejoice over the opportunity to love as God loves.  Perhaps the person will repent with time; but for now, my heart is chastened and made wiser by the tangible depiction of what I myself have done to God on numerous occasions.

The gospel remind me daily of the spiritual poverty into which I was born and also of the staggering generosity of Christ towards me.  Such reminders instill in me both a felt connection to the poor and a desire to show them the same generosity that has been lavished on me.  When ministering to the poor with these motivations, I not only preach the gospel to them through word and deed, but I reenact the gospel to my own benefit as well."

I hope this encourages your heart!

The Royal Wedding

I was totally captivated by the royal wedding.  It was hard to not be captivated by the seemingly constant coverage of the engagement, preparation, and orchestration of the wedding.  My husband was unwillingly captivated, while I was ever so willingly swept away by the royal matrimony.    Maybe it was because of my British father who loved the monarchy.  Or perhaps it was my 7 years spent living in England frequently passing Buckingham Palace.  Or perhaps it was simply the fairytale story of a beautiful "commoner" meeting her prince charming and transforming into a royal princess.  Whatever the reason, I didn't think twice about waking up at 4 am to catch every minute of coverage.  What guests came to witness the wedding?  How many thousands of people would wait on the streets to catch a glimpse of the royal family and particularly the bride?  What would the royal family be wearing?  And perhaps most anticipated, what would Kate's dress look like?

The Royals had the schedule down to the minute.  With each new arrival, Westminster Abbey increasingly filled.  The closer to the wedding hour, the more prestigious the guests.  From celebrities to dignitaries to friends to family to all the monarchs and finally Kate and her proud father.  As the anticipation was realized, the world looked on at Catherine.

She was stunning!  She looked like a princess.  And in a matter of an hour she would go from Kate Middleton to Princess Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.  Not before a hugely significant ceremony.

With all the pomp and circumstance of the royal family, it's easy to forget that the queen holds the title of "Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England."  In theory, it is the monarchy that upholds the Church.  It's easy to question to legitimacy of the monarchy's role in the church.  It's easy to imagine them setting aside the pillars of a Christian marriage ceremony for sake of being politically correct and not offending their religiously diverse guests.  But as I watched the service, I was surprised by the stated picture of marriage being an image of Christ and His Church.  I was thrilled for how many times the name of Jesus was lifted up.  Of the billions of viewers, they heard the name of Christ and they heard from God's word.

Several notable parts of the service that are worth reading:   
 

THE HYMN  

Love divine, all loves excelling,

joy of heaven, to earth come down,

fix in us thy humble dwelling,

all thy faithful mercies crown.

Jesu, thou art all compassion,

pure unbounded love thou art;

visit us with thy salvation,

enter every trembling heart.

Come, almighty to deliver,

let us all thy life receive;

suddenly return, and never,

never more thy temples leave.

Thee we would be always blessing,

serve thee as thy hosts above,

pray, and praise thee, without ceasing,

glory in thy perfect love.

Finish then thy new creation,

pure and spotless let us be;

let us see thy great salvation,

perfectly restored in thee,

changed from glory into glory,

till in heaven we take our place,

till we cast our crowns before thee,

lost in wonder, love, and praise!

The reading from a significant portion of Romans 12.

The congregational prayer:
Lord, have mercy upon us.

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Our Father, which art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come;

thy will be done,

in earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive them that trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation;

but deliver us from evil. Amen.

O Lord, save thy servant, and thy handmaid;

who put their trust in thee.

O Lord, send them help from thy holy place;

and evermore defend them.

Be unto them a tower of strength;

from the face of their enemy.

O Lord, hear our prayer;
and let our cry come unto thee.

Amen.Amen.Amen.Amen.

O God of our fathers, bless these thy servants, and sow the seed of eternal life in their hearts; that

whatsoever in thy holy Word they shall profitably learn, they may in deed fulfil the same; that

so, obeying thy will, and alway being in safety under thy protection, they may abide in thy love

unto their lives’ end; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

O merciful Lord and heavenly Father, by whose gracious gift mankind is increased; bestow, we

beseech thee, upon these two persons the heritage and gift of children; and grant that they may

see their children christianly and virtuously brought up to thy praise and honour, through Jesus

Christ our Lord.

O God, who hast taught us that it should never be lawful to put asunder those whom thou by

Matrimony hadst made one, and hast consecrated the state of Matrimony to such an excellent

mystery, that in it is signified and represented the spiritual marriage and unity betwixt Christ

and his Church: look mercifully upon these thy servants, that both this man may love his wife,

according to thy Word, (as Christ did love his spouse the Church, who gave himself for it, loving

and cherishing it even as his own flesh), and also that this woman may be loving and amiable,

and faithful to her husband, and in all quietness, sobriety, and peace, be a follower of holy and

godly matrons. O Lord, bless them both, and grant them to inherit thy everlasting kingdom;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, pour upon you the riches of his grace,

sanctify and bless you, that ye may please him both in body and soul, and live together in holy

love unto your lives’ end.

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation,

to join together this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony; which is an honourable estate,

instituted of God himself, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his

Church; which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence, and first miracle

that he wrought, in Cana of Galilee, and is commended in Holy Writ to be honourable among

all men; and therefore is not by any to be enterprised, nor taken in hand, unadvisedly, lightly, or

wantonly; but reverently, discreetly, soberly, and in the fear of God, duly considering the causes

for which Matrimony was ordained.

First, It was ordained for the increase of mankind according to the will of God, and that children

might be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord, and to the praise of his holy name.

Secondly, It was ordained in order that the natural instincts and affections, implanted by God,

should be hallowed and directed aright; that those who are called of God to this holy estate,

should continue therein in pureness of living.

Thirdly, It was ordained for the mutual society, help, and comfort, that the one ought to have of

the other, both in prosperity and adversity.

Into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined.

Just imagine, a fourth of the world heard the gospel through the covenant of marriage.  The Archbishop of Canterbury did not mince words: "Christ did love his spouse the Church, who gave himself for it, loving and cherishing it even as his own flesh."  Prince William and Princess Catherine became the most visible picture of the gospel!

As I gazed enviably at the newly dubbed Princess Catherine I was struck by two thoughts.  First, I have my own prince whom I recently married.  Together we have the honor of displaying the picture of Christ and His bride to those around us.

                                                                     

Second, in Christ, I am part of a "chosen people, a ROYAL priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (I Peter 2:9)

At some point the picture will be reality.  "Hallelujah!  For our Lord God Almighty reigns.  Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!  For the wedding of the Lamb has come and his bride has mader herself ready." Rev. 19: 6 - 7

 

Christ, have mercy upon us.

A Spring trip to Asheville, NC

Asheville.  I love the city.  It's a city brimming with music, arts, and crafts nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.  About ten miles north of Asheville is a small town called Weaverville - home of Mangum Pottery.  Mangum Pottery is my favorite pottery store.  It is also where Ron proposed to me. 

Needless to say, it's a very special place to me, and any time I get the chance to visit both Mangum Pottery and Asheville, I get very excited.

Ron and I have been planning a day to Asheville for some time now.  Yesterday, April 2nd, was that day and we had been eagerly anticipating the day for weeks.  It was perfect timing.  With much going on in life, we were eager to get away even if just for a day.  Also early April meant that spring is in the air with signs of life popping up everywhere.

On Saturday morning I packed a lunch for Ron and me.  We grabbed our sunglasses and our lunch, and we hit the road.  The car ride allowed us to several hours to talk, listen to music, enjoy the beauty of the foothills and mountains.  I had envisioned stopping at an scenic overlook and eating lunch, but we ended up wanting to get to Mangum Pottery as soon as possible so we chose the following option:

It was great and added a little bit of humor to our day.  We arrived at Mangum Pottery around noon and bounded into the store (OK, maybe I bounded in and Ron simply walked.  I tend to get a little more excited about pottery).  Rob and Beth Mangum were busy crafting their art with Beth molding the pieces and Rob working in the back with the glazes and kilns.  We caught up with them chatting about their girls, our wedding, the pottery we received from our wedding registry - gifts given by generous family and friends.  It was great to see them and take in the beauty of their work.

After Mangum we headed to the River Arts District.  Ron had heard about this district from a co-worker.  We were excited to go, because neither of us had been before, and it was apparently a hub for dozens of local artists.  It was as exciting as anticipated.  The mile wide area was filled with buildings and warehouses that had been transformed into studios and galleries for artists who worked with numerous mediums - pottery, fabric, glass, etc.  As we walked around and went from studio to studio we were able to meet many of artists who were busy at work but still kind of enough to talk and share a bit of their story with us.  At one such store we entered into a pretty intense staring contest. 

The busts won.  They always do!

Next we headed to downtown Asheville.  We hit a number of our favorite spots: 10,000 villages, Woolworths, The Chocolate Fetish, and Kress Emporium.  At each stop we saw beautiful pieces of art crafted by incredibly talents folks.  Few realities reflect the nature of God more than artists creating their masterpieces.  It reminds me of one of my most favorite verses - Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."

Our last stop was the Grove Park Inn, a beautiful hotel that was built at the beginning of the 20th century and has been a respite for many celebrities and dignitaries.  It was also the sight of our wonderful dinner when Ron and I got engaged a little over a year ago.  We drove past and couldn't help but remember the sweet memories of our engagement.

We ended our day at a Japanese Steak House, one of our favorites.  After a delicious meal, we hit the road back to Winston-Salem.  It had been a wonderful day.  Not only had we been inspired by many talented artists, but we were inspired by The Creator and his beautiful creation that was literally budding with life.  Spring is such a vivid reminder of God's redemptive nature to take what is dead and breathe life into it.  With the trees budding and the flowers bursting from the soil, signs of life were everywhere.  Praise God that He is making all things new and gives us glimpses of what is to come through His creation.

Multiplication Squares and MLKU

I have a confession to make: I get uncanny joy out of multiplication squares.  You know, the 12 X 12 matrix that allows it's user to systematically write out all of their multiplications from 1 - 12.  I also get great delight from beating elementary aged students in timed multiplication squares.  I can make it sound mature by saying that I'm helping kids sharpen their much needed multiplication skills, which is critical knowledge for succeeding in school and consequently reaching their potential.  But let's get real, I get an ego boost by racing and beating 10 year olds in multiplication squares.  I'm not proud of this.

Every Tuesday I am the "grade mom" for our fifth graders at MLKU (tutoring program in the Kimberly Park neighborhood).  As part of my duties, I have to make sure that my fifth graders have academic activities during the hour of tutoring time, especially if they do not bring homework.  Nine times out of ten, if one of my fifth graders does not bring homework or finishes their work before our time is done, I will ask the student and tutor to work through a multiplication square. 

The importance of knowing multiplication was highlighted when I proctored an end of the year test for an elementary school student at Forest Park Elementary.  I happened to be in a room with just one student.  The student struggled through the math portion and wasn't able to finish within the allotted time largely because she had to use her fingers for all of the problems that dealt with multiplication.  It was difficult to watch how much time she wasted as she relied on her fingers.  Hence one of the reasons that I heavily promote multiplication squares at MLKU.

My students have mixed emotions about their repeated practice of the m. square (as I affectionately call it).  The better mathematicians are eager to show off their skills by breezing through the exercise.  Most, however, are willing to participate, but struggle to complete the square in a timely manner many times getting tripped up on their 7s, 8s, and 9s.  Two of my students that fall into the latter category are G and D.  This past Tuesday I had interesting interactions with these two students and their m. square.

I picked up G and his siblings as usual; he was exceptionally excited to get in the car and go to MLKU.  I asked him why he was so excited, and he responded, "I get to work on my multiplication square with Mr. Daniel!"  Mr. Daniel, his tutor, had mastered the skill of making math fun.  He allowed G and his cousin A to race and encouraged them all the way through.  And sure enough when we had completed our arts classes, had dinner, and got ready for tutoring, G was eager to hit the m. square.  He spent much of the hour of tutoring time working through one square.  While I was thrilled for his enthusiasm, I was saddened by how challenging the square was to him.  It reminded me of how important is was to provide supplementary help for students in Winston-Salem.  As I was working with G on some of the harder multiplications, another tutor came to me and told me that her student, D, was not willing to work on her square.  Knowing D, I decided it was best to take her outside and personally work with her.  When I sat down with her, it quickly became obvious that the multiplication square was really difficult for her and she was frustrated by not being able to complete it.  In her fifth grade mind and heart, her coping mechanism for not being able to complete the m. square was to shut down.  Her self-esteem was shaken.  And I understood; I was empathetic and could understand her frustration.  So together we worked through each number.  She breezed through the first five numbers and I praised her for being so smart.  Quickly she went from tears to smiles.  As soon as we hit the 6s, she began to struggle.  We devised a system where she could use her fingers to get the answers.  She used her fingers and would tell me each multiple; I'd write it down.  After we had all the multiples of six written into the square, she would read them out loud several times.  Finally she would attempt to recite her sixes from memory.  When she succeeded, we had a mini party.  Slowly we worked through the 6s, the 7s, then the 8s, and still the 9s.  We had a easy pass with the 10s and 11s, and slowly and finally wrestled through the 12s.  We were done!  We had completed the multiplication square.  We might as well have completed a triathlon with the amount of energy and emotion we put into the square.  D went from being deflated and depressed to being proud and excited.  It was a major victory. 

It was a roller coaster of a night with the multiplication square at center stage.  When I left MLKU, I was grateful for the holistic care we seek to provide our students.  We want them to flourish spiritually, but we also want them to flourish academically.  For our fifth graders, it's going to be hard for them to do so without knowing their multiplications.  It was one more moment that confirmed our slogan for Calvary Community Ministries...

...to see our communities flourish...to see Kimberly Park flourish!

Generous Justice

I really love to read.  This wasn't always the case.  For many years, I really despised reading.  I think part of my past disdain for reading was because of my low ability to comprehend and retain what I read.  The other reason is because I equated reading with sitting still and not interacting with people. For those of you who know me well, you know that I don't do well sitting still and being alone.  My feelings toward reading changed most markedly when I was in Chicago living with five other teammates - many of whom would get lost in books.  As they were working their way through their book, they would share their thoughts about their current reading selection, which would inevitably lead to thought provoking conversation.  And then I was hooked: the passing of interesting information and stimulus for thought provoking conversation.  That was over six years ago, and now I find myself treasuring a day where I can carve out an hour or two to read.  And finishing a book?  FUHGEDABOWDIT!  There are few activities that bring more satisfaction that finishing a book and then adding it to the library.

Recently I finished a GREAT book!  "Which book did you finish?" you may ask. 

GENEROUS JUSTICE by Tim Keller

Because of my job, people will frequently ask me how justice is pertinent in Winston-Salem or in America or even in our world.  It's hard for many people to put their finger of what justice or injustice looks like in their world.  Consequently even if they sense a call to pursue justice, they are unsure of the practical ways to pursue it.  Tim Keller helps to answer some of these questions. 

Keller has such a gift for conveying profound Biblical truth in simple, easy-to-digest ways.  In Keller fashion he starts the book with a very concise definition of "justice."  He uses Micah 6:8 to unpack the meaning of justice, "And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."  Here what Keller says:
“The text says to 'do justice and love mercy,' which seem at first glance to be two different things, but they are not. The term 'mercy' is the Hebrew word chesedh, God's unconditional grace and compassion. The word for 'justice' is the Hebrew term mishpat. In Micah 6:8 mishpat puts the emphasis on the action, chesedh puts it on the attitude [or motive] behind the action. To walk with God, then, we must do justice, out of merciful love.

The word mishpat in its various forms occurs more than two hundred times in the Hebrew Old Testament. Its most basic meaning is to treat people equitably."
Keller goes on to summarize justice as "the punishment of wrongdoing as well as giving people their rights."  Because sin has caused goods and power to be inequitably distributed and used to promote some and oppress others, the poor typically feel the brunt of the inequitable distribution and the misuse of resources and power.  God, therefore, speaks frequently in scripture of the cause the poor and His defense for the oppressed. 

"He executes justice for the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.  The LORD sets prisoners free, the LORD gives sight to the blind, He lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves those who live justly.  The LORD watches over the immigrant and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked."  Psalm 146: 7 - 9
If Christians desire to reflect the character of God, we will have an awareness of the reality of the poor and will pursue justice on behalf of the oppressed.  This was true for Israel and was seen in the way that God set up the social and ceremonial law.  It was also seen in the character of Christ as well as in the teaching of the apostles.

One of the most memorable points Keller makes is when he addresses the motivation behind justice.  In answering the question, "why should we do justice?" Keller says that we have two basic Biblical motivations: "joyful awe before the goodness of God's creation and the experience of God's grace in redemption."

God's Goodness in Creation:

Genesis 1:27 is one of my favorite verses in scripture.  "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."  Three times in one verse we read that man was CREATED by God.  This creation event is further clarified by the twice stated fact that we were created in God's image.  These two facts together should lead us to the humble recognition of our worth in bearing the image of Creator God and our responsibility to bear the image of Creator God.  Keller says, "The Bible teaches that the sacredness of God has in some way been imparted to humanity, so that every human life is sacred and every human being has dignity.  When God puts His image upon us, we became beings of infinite, inestimable value...The image of God carries with it the right to not be mistreated or harmed."

God as Creator of all things should lead us to recognize His ownership and our subsequent stewardship.  If we believe that the resources we have are a gift from God (James 1:17), then we will not take pride in our belongings or our position or power.  We will consider them assets to be used for God's purposes in this world; resources to represent His Kingdom.  Quoting Bruce Waltke, Keller writes "the righteous are willing to disadvantage themselves to advantage the community; the wicked are willing to disadvantage the community to advantage themselves."  Keller concludes that "a lack of generosity refuses to acknowledge that your assets are not really yours, but God's.  If you have been assigned the goods of this world by God and you don't share them with others, it isn't just stinginess, it is injustice."

God's Grace in Redemption:

From the Old Testament picture of redemption found in God rescuing Israel from slavery in Egypt and delivering them to the Promised Land, we hear God telling His people to remember their redemption and in remembering, be people who lived redemptively.  "Circumcise your hearts, and do not be stiff-necked any longer.  For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing.  And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt. (Deuteronomy 10: 16 - 19)  For Israel, they literally were aliens, outcasts in Egypt.  They knew what is felt like to feel the effects of injustice.  As a result, God commanded them to treat those affected by injustice with compassion.  As Americans, especially white, middle to upper class Americans, it's hard to personalize injustice, because we often times are not on the receiving end of injustice.  This, coupled with the American dream mentality of being able to pull yourselves up from your bootstraps and work hard to accomplish your dreams sometimes makes it hard for us to empathize with the oppressed.  But spiritually speaking we are without excuse.  No Christians, regardless of their socioeconomic standing, can deny their spiritual poverty and oppression before God.  Keller says it this way,
"'Jesus said, 'Blessed are the poor in spirit' (Matthew 5:3), and most scholars over the centuries have understood that God's blessing and salvation come to those who 'acknowledge spiritual bankruptcy.'  It means to see that you are deeply in debt before God, and you have no ability to even begin to redeem yourself.  God's free generosity to you, at infinite cost to Him, was the only thing that saved you.  What if, however, you aren't poor in spirit...We can say that you are "middle-class in spirit."  You feel that you've earned a certain standing with God through your hard work.  You also may believe that the success and the resources you have are primarily due to your own industry and energy...To the degree that the gospel shapes your self-image, you will identify with those in need.  You will see their tattered clothes and think: "All my righteousness is a filthy rag, but in Christ we can be clothes in his robes of righteousness."  When you come upon those who are economically poor, you cannot say to them, "Pull yourself up by your bootstraps!" because certainly did not do that spiritually.  Jesus intervened for you.  And you cannot say, "I won't help you because you got yourself into this mess," since God came to earth, moved into your spiritually poor neighborhood, as it were, and helped you even though your spiritual problems were your own fault.  In other words, when Christians who understand the gospel see a poor person, they realize they are looking into a mirror.  Their hearts must go out to him or her without an ounce of superiority or indifference."
Keller goes on to share some ways in which to implement justice.  I won't detail his thoughts on implementing justice, but I will give some of his concluding thoughts.  God created the world to function rightly under God's reign and according to His order.  This right functioning is called "shalom" in the Bible and if often translated as peace.  At its root, it means "complete reconciliation, a state of the fullest flourishing in every dimension - physical, emotional, social, and spiritual - because all relationships are right, perfect, and filled with joy."  Because of sin, we do not experience full shalom.  But to do justice is to "live in a way that generates a strong community where human beings can flourish...to go to places where the fabric of shalom has broken down, where the weaker members of societies are falling through the fabric and repair it...Reweaving shalom means to sacrificially thread, lace, and press your time, goods, power, and resources into the lives and needs of others."  Ultimately when we see God as beautiful and we delight in Him, we delight to honor Him.  We recognize our own spiritual poverty and God's tenderness towards the poor and oppressed (namely ourselves), so we joyfully and sacrificially spend ourselves on behalf of the poor that God's character might be manifested to all.

Generous Justice is a great book.  It's a quick read, but contains profound truth.  I would encourage you to read it.