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February 2009


February 25, 2009


What the World Needs Now

There is merely bad luck in not being loved; there is tragedy in not loving.  All of us, today, are dying of this tragedy.  For violence and hatred dry up the heart itself; the long fight for justice exhausts the love that nevertheless gave birth to it.  In the clamor in which we live, love is impossible and justice does not suffice.

Albert Camus

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February 20, 2009


Kingdom People

Kingdom people seek first the Kingdom of God and its justice; church people often put church work above concerns of justice, mercy and truth.  Church people think about how to get people into the church; Kingdom people people think about how to get the church into the world.  Church people worry that the world might change the church; Kingdom people work to see the church change the world... The church must never function as a fearful border guard, but always as one who brings good tidings.  

Snyder/David Bosch's Transforming Mission  

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February 06, 2009


Things We Can Learn (from the dogs next door) Vol.2

The cute but obnoxious lil' "yippers" next door [the 3 Daschunds] tend to alternate between being my diversion and a thorn in my flesh – mostly when I'm trying to either record or concentrate.  I noticed something very telling in my relationship (!) with them lately that I'll share.


The youngest of the three, "Pal" is certifiably CRAZY – as in, he's aggressive and will bite you right after you give him a doggy biscuit!  He barks almost incessantly.  But what can I say.  I love'm!  So I continue to bring them their daily treat which I hand over the fence – whether they're barking or not.

Well the other day I was told, almost matter-of-factly, by the housekeeper next door that the old male doggy is not only the father of the little one... but also his GRANDFATHER!

Let that sink in for a second.  The female dog (of the three) is both daughter and mate of papa dog.  Now this information frankly grossed me out.  I found myself almost immediately having a distinct change of attitude towards the Papa dog.  I no longer rushed to deliver his daily treat.

Now that confession was good for the soul – but it's not the point here.  In fact, DOGS are not the point here.

I began to think about troubled youth, particularly minority (especially black) boys, who have had to deal with similar dysfunction and abuse in their home lives.  Drug addicted or absent fathers, gang activity, mothers who are forced to be away from the home as sole providers, etc. [all these tend to be the by-products poverty...another long story]. Many of them "act out" in disrespectful and/or violent ways and find themselves marginalized and in trouble both in school and with the law.  This unfortunate truth is part of our social environment, especially in inner-city areas like the one we live in here in Memphis.

The tendency is to judge the behavior separate from the causes at the root of the behavior.  It's a very human mistake, but all-too common.  

The thing I had to realize is that these young boys (and girls) deserve our attention in tangible ways (volunteering as tutors and with programs like Big Brothers & Sisters and others).  At the very least they need our prayers and for us to advocate on their behalf against institutions that choose to lump them together and assign "failure" to them as a life sentence.

Well, needless to say I understand a little better why "Pal" is so messed up; why he reacts to me with such aggression.  He's confused and imprisoned (fenced in) in a dysfunctional environment, 24/7.

I wonder how many little black boys, who are just as confused, will spend time in the principal's office today.

Blessings,
Kirk

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