I am reminded today of what real Christianity looks like. This is the kind of person I want to be. Shane Claiborne and Donald Miller are both what I think of when I think of what Christianity is supposed to be (though they’re not, unfortunately, what I think of when I think of what Christianity actually is).
Last week, a 7-alarm fire destroyed half of the block where The Simple Way was located…including everything that belonged to TSW. And yet. Shane is so peaceful and still so full of love.
The power of community, interdependence, and burden-bearing is so penetrating… It just busts through the pain of loss like grass through concrete. I live with tears in my eyes right now, every moment, mesmerized by this big family we have.
In Iraq some folks taught us a saying in Arabic that translates: “When all is well, it’s easy to forget who your friends are. But when things get hard, you will know exactly who your friends are.” I have learned once again the depth of their wisdom, a wisdom that comes from many tears.
Moments of crisis seem to bring out the best or worst in people. Tragedies can paralyze us in despair or they can be a catalyst for hope. This week we have seen hope shine. While it is very true that this fire did not have to happen like this (this was the third fire in this factory this year) … And while it is unmistakably clear that in any other neighborhood a hazardous factory would not have continued to lie vacant after multiple tragedies and deaths inside … While it is clear that there has been a deliberate economic bias and neglect toward families in one of Philly’s poorest districts, who have relentlessly voiced their concerns … Hope is thick in the air.
Since the 7-alarm fire that destroyed half our block, including our home and arts space, we have come to remember that the best things in life are free, and cannot be bought and sold, or stolen.
Within hours folks were eating together out of our 3234 house (we didn’t even have electricity). Everyone offered their gifts—Brooke was serving meals, Michael had launched a new Web site, Darin had established emergency relief funds, Jamie had created a video, Lee wrote a poem, Eastern University had organized a donations drive, Tim was fixing kids’ bikes, Amber was giving massages, lawyers were offering help, Ryan was calling together a board meeting, our EAPE friends were answering a couple dozen calls an hour. … Unbelievable.
How do you become a person like that?
Yes! You certainly are picking good role models! The way to be like them? Surround yourself with similar things! Try to get into their mindset, learn what makes them tick!
What I’ve found that generally works for me is to find something that sort of breaks my heart, and brings out those feelings of solidarity and community and love from inside me, even if I can’t fix things for them. I start there, trying to wake myself up.
Sounds like you’re off to a good start!
The Simple Way is a very good example of the church in Acts – the mindset that what I have is yours and I’m blessed to give it if you need it.
Beautiful!