Pull out the morning paper across the cities of America and it seems more and more you hear about drive by shootings. But this one morning, it was different.
It was my city, my neighborhood, my block. Not literally the block where I live, but the block I adopted with my church. We had been there for months pouring into that street and in an instant everything changed.
A few weeks later, I had the opportunity to go back to the neighborhood and meet the wife who was left behind. (she was just 20 and refused to be called a widow)
My emotions ran high as a friend and I drove down the street to her house to deliver her a gift card to a local grocery store. My thoughts were a blur.
Here’s where he was shot.
Here’s where they live.
As we pulled up the wife was outside. My heart began to beat quickly. Scouting the area as we got out of the car I noticed a big burly man, a huge Harley, and her dog. I’m not really sure what to think at this point, but my heart was definitely beating even faster.
We say “hello” and begin to talk. I can’t explain the peace that fell on our conversation. The wife longed for someone to talk to as she tried to decipher the horrid agony of her grief. It was all I could do to hold back the tears as she retold the story over and over. She had the same questions you and I have when tragedy strikes — why, why, why?
A sadness stirred in me that day. A true heartache of what gangs, drugs, and misplaced gods can do. Not only was a life lost and a 20 year old left a widow, but a street was changed and a shooter left at large.
When the only true God is not the God of the city, neighborhood, or block, trouble arises and the enemy overtakes. It’s time you and I GO to them. It’s time true Light is shown into the darkest of places.
Is it scary? YES! Is it crazy? YES! Is it radical? YES!
Is it necessary? YES! YES! YES!
Oh friend, my heart was changed through the aftermath of a drive by shooting.
Question for you and I this Easter week:
Why is it hard for us to GO to the darkest of places and shine true Light? I’ll go first.
For me, I think it is hard because of the fear. The fear of the unknown and the dark. If I’m stepping out of my comfortable world and into a world of unknowns (different cultures) there are so many variables I’m unsure of. It’s not my safe predictable world. I want to help, but I don’t want to offend. I want to be a light, but I’m afraid of the dark. And so the battle rages within, but I’m determined to keep taking brave steps to GO.
Fear…Fear of my own life being cut short. Fear of not making a difference.
I’m totally hearing you!
We are raising a culture of violence and it is scary. Sadly, I believe it was accelerated when we agreed to accept the killing of the unborn. We have devalued life. Seriously, if we can legally kill the pre-born, why not a 4 month old, and why not an 18 year old, and why not a 35 year old? It’s an incredibly slippery slope.
Lives are taken away too quickly these days — agreed!
As soon as I read your question, I too thought of fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of failure. Fear of dying.
And yet….Jesus’ disciples were not afraid to die for Him, for the betterment of His kingdom. Why can I too not overcome that fear?
I feel like Peter most days . . . “I’ll never deny you. I’ll die for you.” Then when push came to shove Peter denied Christ. But through his denial he came back more convicted and a stronger leader. So, I try to learn though each struggle and denial. Overcoming fear is hard!!!
Alene. I ‘ll come. I’ll bring my family. We are ready. But you are not here to lead us, guess we will have to go ourselves. I wonder how you picked a block? Which block?
Laura – awesome questions. I’ll try to take some time soon and answer them. Wish I was there, but you don’t need me. You just need to hop out and fill a need.
my momma raised me to be safe. to turn away from the bad. to ignore the bullies. to not stir the current. to not fight back. to associate with Christians. to retreat home when it gets dark. to safety.
So this….this goes against everything in human nature. what, if we were blessed, were taught to do. It’s unnatural. uncomfortable. scary. intimidating. overwhelming.
and completely necessary. thank you for inspiring us to tread these waters, Alene!
I just watched this today and it so reminds me of your comment:
http://www.youtube.com/v/OiS4hP8u2Cc&autoplay=1
Our brains have been trained so wrong for years. Everything Jesus did does go against everything we would want to do. I think He lived on Opposite Day everyday. I’m now trying to do the same. Mercy – I have a LONG way to go.
Fear of the unknown, of being hurt…it’s the what ifs of the heart, thank you for this brave and honest reminder Alene.
I’m hearing your fear – loud and clear!!!
My heart goes out to that poor woman and anyone in that situation. Such an event should never come to transpire.
I love this! Yes, yes and yes~ You’re passion is inspiring and contagious. I used to be afraid too. I still have fear but He is asking me to confront my prejudices one at a time. That’s what inspired the book I just finished writing. :)
Oh my – I can’t wait to read this book. Thanks for the encouraging words. I want to step out. I’m tired of living life in my own predictable safe world. Thanks!
I mean I don’t LOVE this. It’s terrible and but I love you heart! Your courage and your bold challenge to us all. You are absolutely right. That’s what I love.
You are too cute! I knew what you meant. I have an eBook coming out next week that I’m soooo hoping will challenge you and I and others to be BOLD!!
I love your heart for the least of these. You are loving Jesus through your work with others. And what an example you set! May we follow in your footsteps!