So…last night I went to the Portland Rescue Mission to go to the volunteer orientation. I was really frustrated at times with some of the other folks at the meeting. People gave their wise advice on how they don’t want to “enable” the homeless by giving them money that may go toward their vices. I got that warm, shaky feeling from deep within that usually means that I think I’m supposed to say something. I did. Something about how us evangelicals use the fear of enabling as an excuse to do absolutely NOTHING for the least of these. As I processed why I felt so frustrated I realized the root. I wasn’t naive enough to think that I could solve the hunger and homeless issues of Portland by handing them a few bus passes or food vouchers from my pocket(as suggested by some goodhearted folks.)I did however hope that the answer, and my involvement would be simpler than it was. My delimma is that I care about the poor…just not enough to change may whole life. I want microwaved results witha system that is gauranteed. Too bad addictions don’t get kicked easily, relapse happen daily for most, and the only thing more addictive than heroine is the addiction to the streets themselves. These are the very people who Christ hung out with. I want to love, but on my terms, from a safe distance when it is conveniant. These folks need people who believe in them and have a sincere relationship that encourages them on in their sobriety. I fear that my own addictions to comfort, controll, and security may be harder to detox off of than the heroine.
“God help me restructure my life. May I slow down and make time for your people. Help me to be a house of hospitality for the margins of society. Embolden me to put faces and names to terms like “the poor” and “the homeless.” Break my heart for your people.” Sincerely,
mark
Truly, we need a 12 step program or something too. I am feeling the same concern, it is SCARY to think of rubbing shoulders with drug addicts and prostitutes. I like to be safe and comfy as much as the next guy. Problem is, we sort of have this call from God, to provide comfort to those same people, people who have no safety or comfort.
Maybe that is a valid ministry in itself, reconciling the privileged to work with the poor and sick. Maybe we need impoverished missionaries to suburbia, lol, to help us overcome our fear.
As I move beyond my own rehabilitation, I am challenged too to step up to that plate. It is scary to me. I guess that is the definition of courage, not being unafraid but doing what you know is right even though you ARE afraid.
Thanks so much for your reply Robert. It is awesome to have a brother in Texas wrestling with similar thoughts and questions. Recently I have been humbled with the realization that much of my daily struggles are motivated by this same fear you speak of. In my vocation I am supposed to be macho and tough, afraid of nothing. In some regaurds this is true, I can rush into burning buildings without a second thought, but to completely my daily life to make room for the least of these seems daunting. Interestingly enough, i’ve been going thru Isiah 58 and this fear is specifically addressed.
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter-when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say; Here am I.”
I love that while we are still afraid we are called into participation and action. Once we step out and defy our fear and cling to the Lord serving on the poor wanderer and clothing the naked healing occurs, our righteousness paves a way for us, and God is our rear gaurd and protector. “THEN (WE) WILL CALL, AND THE LORD WILL ANSWER; (WE) WILL CRY FOR HELP, AND HE WILL SAY; HERE AM I.” This is amazing, it’s one of those if/then statements, it is also a promise!
Look forward to talking more Robert. Thanks for the encouragement!!!
Godspeed,
Mark
That is such an encouraging awesome quote from Isaiah, thank you for sharing it. I believe it, stepping out is the hard part, the Lord is our support when we do what is right. It is His strength not ours that does it.
“and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.”
Thank YOU brother for encouraging me!