Reality, Faith, Kindness

"Gross National Product counts air pollution and cigarette advertising, and ambulances to clear our highways of carnage. It counts special locks for our doors and the jails for the people who break them. It counts the destruction of the redwood and the loss of our natural wonder in chaotic sprawl. It counts napalm and counts nuclear warheads and armored cars for the police to fight the riots in our cities. It counts Whitman's rifle and Speck's knife, and the television programs which glorify violence in order to sell toys to our children. Yet the gross national product does not allow for the health of our children, the quality of their education or the joy of their play. It does not include the beauty of our poetry or the strength of our marriages, the intelligence of our public debate or the integrity of our public officials. It measures neither our wit nor our courage, neither our wisdom nor our learning, neither our compassion nor our devotion to our country, it measures everything in short, except that which makes life worthwhile. And it can tell us everything about America except why we are proud that we are Americans." -Robert F. Kennedy Attorney General of the United States

Yesterday was an exciting day in many ways. We went to one of sites that helps provide resources to teachers that often work in underprivileged schools and areas. I felt really inspired while doing the work because it used several skills that I have extensive experience with (namely, open boxes, breaking them down, and counting pallets...). In many ways, I struggled to keep my mind out of the political questions that creep in concerning many issues of social justice (this would only get exponentially worse/better as the day went on). 
That evening our groups were sent into the city to help personally impact someone and learn more about the realities of the city. Real people, real tasks, real challenges. I was able to do mine well (talking business people into giving me free food is another thing to list on the resume). However, I was really impacted by one of the residents of the street we met. I'll call him Luke for the purpose of this blog. Luke was a member of the United States Navy and went into his struggle with claiming military benefits, etc. He was very well spoken and articulate (while the other members of my groups were just nodding along with what he was saying because it was very bureaucracy-ese, I was eating it up). He talked about the need for government, the need for balance between interests, and was very balanced in the way he presented it. And, he was homeless. 


It was hard for me to listen to this. Luke reminded me of another person that I know very, very well. That man is my father. My father was a member of the United States Navy. My father has always been reasonable and articulate with me and raised me to see both sides of issues. And, it was just tough. 


So, this was the apex of what I call my political brain exploding. It was numb. How less than 6 blocks from the halls of Congress was this possible? Well, I don't have an answer and I probably never will. The answer I do have are that those we are meek shall inherit the Earth. These past few days have really made me grapple with many issues and constantly reevaluate to persistently seek truth. 


-Tim

Big Gulps.

Those that know me well know that I love three things and may or may not be obsessed with: politics, soda, and more politics.
Let's start with the first one. I like Dr. Pepper.... Ok, I consume far more than the usual daily amount for normal humans. Anyways, the primary way I do that is via a Big Gulp from the 7-11. 32 oz of pure delicious goodness is double the price here in D.C. than back in Oklahoma. But, it's not really that surprising (it makes me feel like I'm back in a foreign country in some ways). In fact, the price of everything is pretty much double or triple what I grew up with and is a large factor for why the District has such a wide gap between the wealthy and those in poverty. So, realizing that it was so expensive not only in quick stops, but also grocery stores made me shudder. A 2-Liter should never be about 1.50 in my opinion...but, anyways it has been an enlightening experience with my coworkers talking about the differences between here and where they live (most are from similar places price wise etc. )
This week has been full of great and unique experiences for sure, but two have stuck out to me when interacting with the people of the city. When we had to ask locals about D.C., we got an earful and I loved hearing opinions from passionate people about their community and city. Which is why the price differences piqued my interest (because I wanted to grumble about 7-11 highway robbery on Soft Drinks).
The 2nd one was at a local restaurant when I was handed a flyer from a local with the Occupy movement and it concerned racial tension between different groups of the community. And, it went even further than that encompassing (rightly or wrongly) multiple issues facing this community and the broader society today. I thought to myself, "What am I going to say to the kid who (like I would have at 16) asks about it and what to do about it?" There two very good questions....however, this week has been helpful in being able to recognize something: answers and solutions are not always absolute, but the constant factor is the Love of God.
The lack of reconciliation in some areas or the occurrence of racial tension is something that I will be facing daily and seeing/hearing varying opinions on it. I won't elaborate, but if you want to know more of what I'm talking about wiki Washington D.C. and keep reading about the city.

Today was a pretty good day. I went with a couple of coworkers out and about in the city and had a good time exploring. (I finally saw the Avengers movie and it was solid ...the hype was higher than the actual product in my opinion.)
This Summer will be an adventure and a growing process for sure. It feels like it has been a month...and it has been a week. Oh man, here goes nothing/everything.

"Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth." 2 Timothy 2: 23-25

the first day...

Jehoshaphat stood before the community of Judah and Jerusalem in front of the new courtyard at the Temple of the Lord. ⁶ He prayed, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you! ⁷ O our God, did you not drive out those who lived in this land when your people Israel arrived? And did you not give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham? ⁸ Your people settled here and built this Temple to honor your name. ⁹ They said, ‘Whenever we are faced with any calamity such as war,^[d] plague, or famine, we can come to stand in your presence before this Temple where your name is honored. We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us.’ 2nd Chronicles 20:5-9


This morning I went to Church with one of my co-workers. The church was one of several locations for members to go to throughout the DC area. It was interesting as I haven't been to a very contemporary style church. While I knew what it was, and how it would feel...I was challenged by the message. It seems fitting that it was on the passage above and how all of the problems that I would be confronted with later that day that I will be working in, through, and around. 


After some logistical training, my fellow workers and I were introduced to the city and its landscape and scenery. The stark differences between the communities were similar to what I was expecting. However, the differences between even blocks within neighborhoods are varying in the degree of starkness (some are similar and some gentrification is almost bizarre in the way it looks). Taking it all in, I'm excited and ready to do this. However, it will be challenging and to not think so would be dumb. I'm looking forward to it all. 


More next time.....

I'm starting this blog to capture my time this summer.
So, it's the night before I head to Washington D.C. to do missionary work with the Center for Student Missions. I'm not quite sure it has completely hit me yet though that I'm about to work in one of the most dysfunctional cities in the United States. And, that goes far beyond the stereotypical comment about Congress and the Federal government. I'm looking forward to what God has in store for me this summer. I'll write probably about once a week (or at least try to).