Wednesday, August 30, 2017

The Air is Changing: Year of Jubilee

The air is changing, the sails have shifted, and the year of Jubilee is here.

I'm looking outside a dirty floor to ceiling window in A Cup of Commonwealth at fast walking business men, and cart pushing homeless. 

Wondering which news article is going to be sent to me this weekend in hopes for my perspective.
Whether it is the Nashville Statement, Joel Osteen, Confederate Statues... again, people seem to care what I think. 

And when I say, care about what I think, I don't actually mean that. 

Trust me, if I wanted to sit around and talk about it, write about it, I would.
I would be heard.

They care for a response against what they know. 
What they grew up with.

They want me to be the white, female - believer of Jesus and justice - Liberal Arts meets Bible school educated - millennial, who just hates the idea of normal gender roles - and would dare to say whatever she's thinking in front of her conservative, very southern, grandma any day.  
They want someone that cares about them, to argue with them, in the most respectable way.
To offer the "other" perspective, since I am up close and personal with that "other." 

Ain't that some bullshit. 

I have become jaded and cynical even more than I began.

Unfortunately day to day conversations have become background noise.

Nothing hurts more than not knowing how or who or what to do with a high schooler and their family in  the midst of chaos. 

Watching people you care about suffer from a system that protects you over anyone else.

Swallowing the truth that I will do nothing to help the majority of those suffering in this world, and I know they very one who can, and I don't even bother to thank Him most days.

People want so badly for the numbers. The results. The victories. 

And they want to watch us bleed from a distance, but throw the opportunity for us to speak about that pain, without ever offering to apply pressure on our wounds while they stand there blindly. 

I do not have all the answers, I don't always ask the right questions, I don't always rest, or jump into action, or respond in the most loving way. 

I read my twitter feed way more than my Bible.
But my goodess I am trying.
I said the Year of Jubilee is here, and I mean that.
It sure doesn't feel like that though.
Our fields are under water. 
The seeds have been stepped all over in protests. 
And the harvest baskets are light.
Yet, the work is still there.

I will not miss the blessing of one soul because I am tired. 
Or there is a lack of direction or help or distractions with mega phones and cameras.
I will fail.
But I won't stop trying because the air is changing, and the sails have shifted.

So please, go ask someone else what they think about these articles, 
or step out into these streets yourself.
Dare ya.

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Transitions: Last & First

I'm still trying to avoid everyone's post grad questions.
Sometimes I practice my answer before a big event. 
Most days I just find the furthest shelf in my mind, and deepest crack in my heart, to hide away any unwanted thoughts of how things are feeling since I left Knoxville.
For some reason no answer seems to taste good when it comes out.
And no one seems truly content with what I have to say anyway.
Being in a constant state of uncontrolled (by me) anything for this length of time is easily comparable to a slow and painful death.
Dramatic I know.
This is also terribly human of me.
I hate to say it, but I need a damn routine if I am going to survive.
Routine for me means I know when and where I can be ridiculous, spontaneous, free.
My purpose stays in tact and my restless spirit still finds a way to explore.
I also take way better care of myself... which is something I did very little of this summer.
I'm currently on 5 different prescriptions and covered in essential oils.
Basically, I am the example of what not to do in full time urban ministry, when it comes to self care.
But.
If you must know, I am reminded everyday I made the right choice for me.
That doesn't mean I don't sob every now and again when I see pictures of my kids beyond these city limits though.

Tomorrow is the 1st day of school here in Lexington.
Which means its the last day of summer, ministry wise. 
Ouch. 
I just felt part of my soul breaking at the idea of winter being a few months away.
Despite the premature fear of snow and ice already making its way into my head, 
today was one of my favorite days.
I am beyond grateful for all of the laughter, hugs, and celebration of what was, is, and will be, within our Urban Impact family.
Today served as the best ending there could have been.
A distraction for yet another transition.
And a marker for a new season full of planting, watering, sowing, and praying.

They are SO not ready for school tomorrow.

Marcus leading the kids on a tour of their community center, after the new drywall was put in,
 is probably one of the highlights of my life.

Shout out to Stivers Strength for leading our boys so well in the gym.
 It's not just about the muscle, it's about the mind.
Marcus turns 40!

Deuces summer 2017, you were weird, sweaty, and just odd enough to make me love you.