This must stop.
We must stop claiming ignorance, we must stop sheltering ourselves from the reality of the world around us.
We must do something.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
restructured
I'm taking this really fantastic class called Christian Faith, Ethics, and Social Justice. Last week, my professor assigned a short paper in which we were to discuss how America would change if it was restructured on the basis of Matthew 5:38-48. Its kind of long, but I thought I would post my response. Just in case anyone actually reads this anymore.
Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount conveys the values and practices of his kingdom, a kingdom that, in light of the values of human kingdoms, seems as bizarre today as it did then. A brief comparison of the kingdom Jesus discusses and that of America reveals a sharp, undeniable contrast of values and practices. While American society uplifts the ideals of wealth, power, and status, Jesus values peacefulness, service, and generosity. And while American society retains the right to self-defense in order to maintain security of their life and wealth, Jesus commands a readiness to suffer for the sake of peace and righteousness. If American society was to be restructured on the basis of Matthew 5:38-48, our society would be radically changed.
An incredible example of the principle of “turn the other cheek” (v39) carried out in relatively recent American history is that of Civil Rights activist Bayard Rustin. In 1951, Rustin was beaten with a stick by an onlooker during a Korean War protest. While being beaten, Rustin handed his abuser a second stick with which to beat him (1). In response, the man ceased to beat him and threw both sticks aside. A society that reacted in similar ways to unjust treatment against them would be practicing the ideals in verses 39-41. Here, the oppressed are called to do more than the oppressor requires, leaving the oppressor confounded and exposed. Perhaps it would mean that an American man brought before court is required to relinquish his home in order to pay a debt and instead of doing exactly what is required, he also offers his prosecutor his car and other possessions, stripping himself of all that he owns. Shaping this society’s ethics would be a compulsion to go beyond what is required, to sacrifice personal desires and rights in order to reveal a kingdom of peacefulness and mercy.
An American society restructured on the basis of this portion of Jesus’ sermon would be one of unrelenting generosity. Jesus tells his followers to give to those who ask of them and forbids them to deny their requests to borrow (v42). This kind of generosity would require a class-shattering redistribution of wealth. On an individual level, Americans would provide and be provided with all that they and their neighbors needed. Generosity would no longer be limited to a ten percent tithe, sporadic donations to charities, or a few dollars dropped into the hands of a beggar; it would govern their budgets. Nationally, policies would favor this redistribution as well. The poor would be afforded access to quality food, housing, education, and health care. Recognizing the intrinsic worth of the people around them, Americans would have greater concern for their brothers and sisters than for their own desires.
At the heart of this restructured American society’s practices would be the principle of enemy love. International relations would be drastically transformed. Those nations that posed the greatest threat to America’s security would not be met with military threats or attacks, but rather with creative, nonviolent attempts to achieve peace. Racism, class-ism, partisan-ism, denominationalism, nationalism, and other forms of division would cease to exist. Physical, emotional, and mental violence and the systems that perpetuate such violence would be obliterated.
Jesus spoke of a kingdom rising up out of acts of self-sacrifice, generosity, and service rooted in agape love. In his kingdom, the powers of evil are overcome by these acts. If structured on the basis of this kingdom, the America we know would cease to exist.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
its war
I was listening to NPR on my 5 minute ride home from work this morning and heard a tidbit of an interview with Henry Okah, the arms supplier for a rebel group in Nigeria, the MENDS (Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta). (While some call him their "leader" he insists that he is only their supplier.) Basically, they are a militant group that is carrying on an insurgent campaign against the Nigerian government.
The reason? Since declaring independence from Britian, Nigeria has seen endless dictatorships. Under these ruling powers, the control of Nigeria's oil supply -- which is found in the Niger Delta -- has been given to corporations such as Chevron and Royal Dutch Shell. Look them up. They are despicable companies. Well, the MENDS have taken matters into their own hands. They believe that the companies and their government are exploiting the Nigerian people.
The reason? Since declaring independence from Britian, Nigeria has seen endless dictatorships. Under these ruling powers, the control of Nigeria's oil supply -- which is found in the Niger Delta -- has been given to corporations such as Chevron and Royal Dutch Shell. Look them up. They are despicable companies. Well, the MENDS have taken matters into their own hands. They believe that the companies and their government are exploiting the Nigerian people.
Kenneth Roth, Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, has said of the situation, "The oil companies can't pretend they don't know what's happening all around them. The Nigerian government obviously has the primary responsibility to stop humans rights abuse. But the oil companies are directly benefiting from these crude attempts to suppress dissent, and that means they have a duty to try and stop it." Eghare W.O. Ojhogar, chief of the Ugborodo community, said: "It is like paradise and hell. They have everything. We have nothing... If we protest, they send soldiers."
Human beings are most certainly always capable of distorting motives and purposes behind their actions. People are desperate. If we were living in those conditions, we would be ordinary people doing extreme things as well. Unfortunately, this particular group of people has been responsible for the murders of innocent people.
Whoops. Hasn't EVERY group who has used violence to fight for their cause?
I'm not quite sure what my point is, to be honest. But, first, this would not have been brought to the public's attention if MENDS had not attacked an oil tanker. A cease fire may not have been demanded. But that is what happened. And they asked for their arms supplier to be released. Now, they agreed to lay down their guns for 60 days.
In the interview, Okah was asked how he could account for the slaughter of innocent men, women, and children. He responded immediately, "Its war."
He gave no excuses, made no apologies.
There MUST be another way. Friends, it is you and I who make it possible for corporations like Shell to exist. They must be challenged. They cannot be allowed to rape and pillage both land and people. There has been enough of this.
We are the barbarians in this situation. Dare I say terrorists?
Lord, have mercy on us.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Lindsey Leahy!?!?
Dear World,
I AM MARRYING JORDAN LEAHY.
It has been just about three weeks since Jordan put the ring on my finger. In a few months, I'm going to be Mrs. Leahy, Jordan's WIFE.
So, long overdue, here is my story of our engagement. (Check out Jordan's version here. And read the rest of his blog while you're at it.) I do apologize for the delay.
After a ridiculous journey to Arizona, we finally arrived in Tucson on Saturday, April 11, where we spent the day with Suzanne, David, and John. We spent the day relaxing around the (beautiful) house, soaking in the hot tub, and watching Planet Earth. At one point, soon after we arrived, the rain stopped and revealed the most incredible rainbow that I've seen. Amazing.
Early the next morning, Jordan and I left the house to drive the short distance to Catalina State Park to see the Easter morning sunrise. (A few days earlier, I had received a text message in which Jordan asked me if I wanted to do this...I love mountains, sunrises, and walks, so, I had been excited about it all week.)
We realized pretty quickly that we wouldn't actually be able to get to the top of a mountain to see the sunrise. And, it was a cloudy morning, so, we didn't think we were in for a spectacular sunrise. But, the place itself was spectacular and I was in a state of euphoria from the moment we arrived.
We found a trail and wandered around for about an hour. I was stopping every few feet to look at a cactus, an animal footprint, or a flower. The week leading up to this day had been hellish and exhausting, in every aspect of my life, especially in Jordan and my relationship. But, in that hour, a sense of hope and awe crept back into my weary heart. I was reminded of how big, creative, and loving my God is. It was a perfect morning, I was in the middle of a vast expanse of nothing but earth, with my Savior and with my love.
Something that amazes me about Jordan, and something that I realized a long time before I even admitted that I was in love with him, is the freedom I feel when I am with him. I can be an extremely introverted, private person. I have a difficult time trusting people with my interests and desires. But Jordan not only accepts me, but he loves me, the me who is fascinated with mountains, trees, flowers, sky, colors, and people. The me who likes to skip and hug and whistle and hum random tunes. Even the me who cries uncontrollably and who be joyful one moment and discouraged the next.
Anyway, there we were, walking along among the peace and the freedom when Jordan asked if I was ready to stop for our Easter morning service (of sorts). He gave the options of staying where we were or heading back to the beginning of the trail where we had seen a beautiful old tree (I love trees). Because the tree was near the road, we decided to stay there, and I looked out ahead of us and noticed a big, white rock in the middle of the field. Perched on that rock, Jordan read the four gospel accounts of the Resurrection and I read John 16. After a few minutes, Jordan asked if we could stand up to pray, so that we could "have a better view." This struck me as odd, but I obliged.
At that moment, I had no idea that what I had been dreaming about and impatiently waiting for had finally come. (For a while, I had suspected that he might propose in Arizona (what could be more perfect?), but after the week gone by, I really doubted that Jordan would be ready to commit to me -- I was really quite a wreck.) But, when Jordan wrapped me up in a hug and I felt his heart pounding in his chest (slamming might be more accurate), my suspicions were pricked. Jordan prayed a very pointed prayer, asking God to be the center of our relationship, and thanking him for me. When he finished, he looked at me for a minute and then said, "Lindsey, I love you." He pulled the ring out of his pocket, got down on one knee, and asked me to marry him.
My response? "Of course!"
It was so beautiful, so perfect, so much more wonderful than I could have ever imagined. The symbolism was really overwhelming for me. (Maybe you think I'm a bit out there, but that's fine.) Jordan proposed on a rock. Walking back to the trail head, I spotted a dove.
The morning following was equally wonderful. We headed back to the tree at the beginning of the trail and spent some time there. Then we drove back to the house where Suzanne was making breakfast for us. The morning was complete with Easter baskets and eggs, and even time in the gorgeous Arizona sun. I highly recommend morning engagements -- you have the whole day to celebrate! :-)
We'll be like torches, torches together, hand in hand.
I AM MARRYING JORDAN LEAHY.
It has been just about three weeks since Jordan put the ring on my finger. In a few months, I'm going to be Mrs. Leahy, Jordan's WIFE.
So, long overdue, here is my story of our engagement. (Check out Jordan's version here. And read the rest of his blog while you're at it.) I do apologize for the delay.
After a ridiculous journey to Arizona, we finally arrived in Tucson on Saturday, April 11, where we spent the day with Suzanne, David, and John. We spent the day relaxing around the (beautiful) house, soaking in the hot tub, and watching Planet Earth. At one point, soon after we arrived, the rain stopped and revealed the most incredible rainbow that I've seen. Amazing.
Early the next morning, Jordan and I left the house to drive the short distance to Catalina State Park to see the Easter morning sunrise. (A few days earlier, I had received a text message in which Jordan asked me if I wanted to do this...I love mountains, sunrises, and walks, so, I had been excited about it all week.)
We realized pretty quickly that we wouldn't actually be able to get to the top of a mountain to see the sunrise. And, it was a cloudy morning, so, we didn't think we were in for a spectacular sunrise. But, the place itself was spectacular and I was in a state of euphoria from the moment we arrived.
We found a trail and wandered around for about an hour. I was stopping every few feet to look at a cactus, an animal footprint, or a flower. The week leading up to this day had been hellish and exhausting, in every aspect of my life, especially in Jordan and my relationship. But, in that hour, a sense of hope and awe crept back into my weary heart. I was reminded of how big, creative, and loving my God is. It was a perfect morning, I was in the middle of a vast expanse of nothing but earth, with my Savior and with my love.
Something that amazes me about Jordan, and something that I realized a long time before I even admitted that I was in love with him, is the freedom I feel when I am with him. I can be an extremely introverted, private person. I have a difficult time trusting people with my interests and desires. But Jordan not only accepts me, but he loves me, the me who is fascinated with mountains, trees, flowers, sky, colors, and people. The me who likes to skip and hug and whistle and hum random tunes. Even the me who cries uncontrollably and who be joyful one moment and discouraged the next.
Anyway, there we were, walking along among the peace and the freedom when Jordan asked if I was ready to stop for our Easter morning service (of sorts). He gave the options of staying where we were or heading back to the beginning of the trail where we had seen a beautiful old tree (I love trees). Because the tree was near the road, we decided to stay there, and I looked out ahead of us and noticed a big, white rock in the middle of the field. Perched on that rock, Jordan read the four gospel accounts of the Resurrection and I read John 16. After a few minutes, Jordan asked if we could stand up to pray, so that we could "have a better view." This struck me as odd, but I obliged.
At that moment, I had no idea that what I had been dreaming about and impatiently waiting for had finally come. (For a while, I had suspected that he might propose in Arizona (what could be more perfect?), but after the week gone by, I really doubted that Jordan would be ready to commit to me -- I was really quite a wreck.) But, when Jordan wrapped me up in a hug and I felt his heart pounding in his chest (slamming might be more accurate), my suspicions were pricked. Jordan prayed a very pointed prayer, asking God to be the center of our relationship, and thanking him for me. When he finished, he looked at me for a minute and then said, "Lindsey, I love you." He pulled the ring out of his pocket, got down on one knee, and asked me to marry him.
My response? "Of course!"
It was so beautiful, so perfect, so much more wonderful than I could have ever imagined. The symbolism was really overwhelming for me. (Maybe you think I'm a bit out there, but that's fine.) Jordan proposed on a rock. Walking back to the trail head, I spotted a dove.
The morning following was equally wonderful. We headed back to the tree at the beginning of the trail and spent some time there. Then we drove back to the house where Suzanne was making breakfast for us. The morning was complete with Easter baskets and eggs, and even time in the gorgeous Arizona sun. I highly recommend morning engagements -- you have the whole day to celebrate! :-)
We'll be like torches, torches together, hand in hand.
Friday, April 3, 2009
flowers?
Last night, I had the opportunity to go to a presentation by master's students in EMU's Peacemaking and Conflict Transformation program. They have students from all over the world (over 50% are international students) who come together to learn about peacebuilding. Last night, a couple from Afghanistan and a woman from Iraq spoke.
They spoke of their countries' landscape, religion, history, and way of life. And, of course, they talked about the military occupation in each of their countries. It was beautiful to hear their perspective. They call it as it is, because they have experienced it. They are honest. Ryan said last night that they have a "vested interest" in our understanding their point of view, understanding what is REALLY going on.
And what REALLY is going on is that they are HUMAN BEINGS whose countries, families, friends, limbs have been ravaged by a seemingly never ending war. The woman from Afghanistan said that the people in her country see other nations simply playing chess in Afghanistan. It is a convenient location for a chess game, located in the "heart of Aisa," surrounded by other nations, a country unable to have any border control. She addressed the American perception that her people are "violent and aggressive." War has been going on in Afghanistan for decades. Other nations have come and bombed the country mercilessly. With no equivilant means of defense, the Afghani people are forced to use guns and other means, such as suicide bombings, to defend themselves. The desire to protect one's life is natural. They are normal human beings in extreme circumstances. What other options are there?
While I understand that three people, all from relatively peaceful parts of their countries, are not representative of the entire population, their voices are VITAL to our formation of opinions and actions. These lovely people had hope. They believed in the possibility of peace. If I, in turn, say that there is no hope, that peace will never come to their people, I am only again oppressing them.
There were two quotes in particular that stood out to me. Credit for both of them goes to the Iraqi woman, a beautiful, passionate woman. First, she said, "people carry guns around as if they are a security. For me, a gun is an insecurity!"
And, a quote that has been playing over and over again in my mind...
While showing photographs of Iraq, she came upon a picture of a beautiful flower and exclaimed,
"Still we have flowers after all the war!"
The grace of God remains. The love of God is eternal, it does not fail.
They spoke of their countries' landscape, religion, history, and way of life. And, of course, they talked about the military occupation in each of their countries. It was beautiful to hear their perspective. They call it as it is, because they have experienced it. They are honest. Ryan said last night that they have a "vested interest" in our understanding their point of view, understanding what is REALLY going on.
And what REALLY is going on is that they are HUMAN BEINGS whose countries, families, friends, limbs have been ravaged by a seemingly never ending war. The woman from Afghanistan said that the people in her country see other nations simply playing chess in Afghanistan. It is a convenient location for a chess game, located in the "heart of Aisa," surrounded by other nations, a country unable to have any border control. She addressed the American perception that her people are "violent and aggressive." War has been going on in Afghanistan for decades. Other nations have come and bombed the country mercilessly. With no equivilant means of defense, the Afghani people are forced to use guns and other means, such as suicide bombings, to defend themselves. The desire to protect one's life is natural. They are normal human beings in extreme circumstances. What other options are there?
While I understand that three people, all from relatively peaceful parts of their countries, are not representative of the entire population, their voices are VITAL to our formation of opinions and actions. These lovely people had hope. They believed in the possibility of peace. If I, in turn, say that there is no hope, that peace will never come to their people, I am only again oppressing them.
There were two quotes in particular that stood out to me. Credit for both of them goes to the Iraqi woman, a beautiful, passionate woman. First, she said, "people carry guns around as if they are a security. For me, a gun is an insecurity!"
And, a quote that has been playing over and over again in my mind...
While showing photographs of Iraq, she came upon a picture of a beautiful flower and exclaimed,
"Still we have flowers after all the war!"
The grace of God remains. The love of God is eternal, it does not fail.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
tired
I like to think I'm an honest person.
Recently, I'm not sure I've been so honest. And I'm not sure where the line is. Because the people I've been really honest with are getting tired. I'm exhausting them. And the other people, well, I don't tell them the truth because they don't want to hear it, they don't care.
Dark circles don't lie. Maybe I should start wearing make-up.
None of that is what I intended to say.
The truth is, I'm weary. I don't want to be, but it isn't that I want to not be either.
I was doing so much better. I think I am, still. Its just that my being alive isn't celebrated. Because its expected, because everyone else feels like they are dying too. So, I just give in. I give in to being sad...because it makes sense to be sad in this world, doesn't it?
I tend to look for the good in people. But, I often do so at the detriment of myself. I see the good in them, and I see the exact opposite in myself. I always feel like I'm not as good, never good enough.
All of this is like fighting an invisible opponent. You just end up being exhausted and looking like a fool.
Recently, I'm not sure I've been so honest. And I'm not sure where the line is. Because the people I've been really honest with are getting tired. I'm exhausting them. And the other people, well, I don't tell them the truth because they don't want to hear it, they don't care.
Dark circles don't lie. Maybe I should start wearing make-up.
None of that is what I intended to say.
The truth is, I'm weary. I don't want to be, but it isn't that I want to not be either.
I was doing so much better. I think I am, still. Its just that my being alive isn't celebrated. Because its expected, because everyone else feels like they are dying too. So, I just give in. I give in to being sad...because it makes sense to be sad in this world, doesn't it?
I tend to look for the good in people. But, I often do so at the detriment of myself. I see the good in them, and I see the exact opposite in myself. I always feel like I'm not as good, never good enough.
All of this is like fighting an invisible opponent. You just end up being exhausted and looking like a fool.
Friday, January 16, 2009
loved
I'm convinced that we are always submerged in the grace of God. Some days, the forms that give shape to that grace are a little more recognizable than others.
Wednesday morning had been, well, pretty crappy. I really don't even remember what happened. The things that get me so worked up and ruin my day are never the things I remember. Which, I think, is a good indication that they really are not at all important.
Jordan and I had been in a drawn out, very tense conversation -- I guess you might call it a fight. By drawn out I mean that it had been going on since about Saturday night. By Wednesday afternoon, we had been able to draw some useful conclusions and we had finally covered some ground. But I think we were both still confused, and i KNOW we were both weary.
I went to work Wednesday night with a very heavy heart. All day, I had been crying out to God for him to show me his love. I felt absolutely defeated. I was the worst person living that day. I knew it. Do you know that feeling? God, I need redemption, I need grace, I need to know that my life is valuable to SOMEONE (anyone) else, I need to know that You love me.
I knew God had been with me all day. I never once felt that I was not in his presence. But, I sort of felt like I was standing in the dark and although I could see a light in the distance, I refused to move because I couldn't see what was directly in front of me. I needed a light shining on my path.
And then God began to make his grace take on very tangible forms. My manager had written little cards to all of us. In mine, she spoke directly to my feeling of being insignificant. She told me that people who cared about the world make a difference. She said I cared. I had not been given or given a hug all day. I like hugs. A lot. I needed one very badly. I started praying for a hug. Might seem silly, but God heard my prayer. Emily Stern saw my car on her way to youth group, and dropped by just to see me for a minute. Before she left, she wanted a hug. It was one of the best hugs I've ever had the privilege of having.
Still, I was discouraged. At about 8:30, Jordan texted me to tell me that he would be at his friend's house and that I should still call him when I got out of work. Deep breath. Give him the benefit of the doubt, Lindsey. He still wants you to call...
I got home around 9:40, texted Jordan, and started getting ready to get ready for bed. Five minutes, he told me.
I was in the bathroom, and I heard the doorbell ring. On my way out, I encountered Valerie (my roomate) standing by the door, but not moving. "Uh, do you think you could get that for me?" I didn't think anything of it, ran down the stairs and swung open the door.
And there he was. Jordan was standing there, Bible open, reading 1 Corinthians 13. I don't remember how far he got before I stopped gaping and hugged him. I'm not sure I've been so close to being in shock before. Grace flooded in like a rush of cold air on a hot day.
Jordan had made up a story to get the name of Valerie so that he could call her to notify her of his plan to come down. He moved some things in his schedule, used his comp time, and made plans to be at work at 11 Thursday morning instead of 9. He rode his bike to his friends' house, borrowed their car, drove 300 miles, and arrived about about 10p.m. He left at 5 the next morning.
I've told the story at least 50 times since, but I start crying every time I think about it. Jordan's hug is my safe place on this earth. He drove 600 miles to spend a few hours hugging me, a few hours to remind me of his love.
Jesus hears us. He is near. Some days, his grace is more apparent than others. But it is always being poured out like sweet, refreshing, nourishing rain on our parched and weary souls.
Wednesday morning had been, well, pretty crappy. I really don't even remember what happened. The things that get me so worked up and ruin my day are never the things I remember. Which, I think, is a good indication that they really are not at all important.
Jordan and I had been in a drawn out, very tense conversation -- I guess you might call it a fight. By drawn out I mean that it had been going on since about Saturday night. By Wednesday afternoon, we had been able to draw some useful conclusions and we had finally covered some ground. But I think we were both still confused, and i KNOW we were both weary.
I went to work Wednesday night with a very heavy heart. All day, I had been crying out to God for him to show me his love. I felt absolutely defeated. I was the worst person living that day. I knew it. Do you know that feeling? God, I need redemption, I need grace, I need to know that my life is valuable to SOMEONE (anyone) else, I need to know that You love me.
I knew God had been with me all day. I never once felt that I was not in his presence. But, I sort of felt like I was standing in the dark and although I could see a light in the distance, I refused to move because I couldn't see what was directly in front of me. I needed a light shining on my path.
And then God began to make his grace take on very tangible forms. My manager had written little cards to all of us. In mine, she spoke directly to my feeling of being insignificant. She told me that people who cared about the world make a difference. She said I cared. I had not been given or given a hug all day. I like hugs. A lot. I needed one very badly. I started praying for a hug. Might seem silly, but God heard my prayer. Emily Stern saw my car on her way to youth group, and dropped by just to see me for a minute. Before she left, she wanted a hug. It was one of the best hugs I've ever had the privilege of having.
Still, I was discouraged. At about 8:30, Jordan texted me to tell me that he would be at his friend's house and that I should still call him when I got out of work. Deep breath. Give him the benefit of the doubt, Lindsey. He still wants you to call...
I got home around 9:40, texted Jordan, and started getting ready to get ready for bed. Five minutes, he told me.
I was in the bathroom, and I heard the doorbell ring. On my way out, I encountered Valerie (my roomate) standing by the door, but not moving. "Uh, do you think you could get that for me?" I didn't think anything of it, ran down the stairs and swung open the door.
And there he was. Jordan was standing there, Bible open, reading 1 Corinthians 13. I don't remember how far he got before I stopped gaping and hugged him. I'm not sure I've been so close to being in shock before. Grace flooded in like a rush of cold air on a hot day.
Jordan had made up a story to get the name of Valerie so that he could call her to notify her of his plan to come down. He moved some things in his schedule, used his comp time, and made plans to be at work at 11 Thursday morning instead of 9. He rode his bike to his friends' house, borrowed their car, drove 300 miles, and arrived about about 10p.m. He left at 5 the next morning.
I've told the story at least 50 times since, but I start crying every time I think about it. Jordan's hug is my safe place on this earth. He drove 600 miles to spend a few hours hugging me, a few hours to remind me of his love.
Jesus hears us. He is near. Some days, his grace is more apparent than others. But it is always being poured out like sweet, refreshing, nourishing rain on our parched and weary souls.
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