It struck me this week that there seems to be one thing in this world that keeps people lost, angry or depressed. This item causes wars, breads sexism, racism and ultimately divides neighbor from neighbor, family member from family member. And if we sought this one thing, instead of fearing it, lives would change, communities would prosper and the Great Commission would be fulfilled. That one thing is: understanding.

One might think that wars accrue in a nation out of concerns over power and control, that marriages break down because of infidelity and growing apart. Many people believe that if we as a society could bring people around to our way of seeing the world, everything would be better.

This week I would like you to consider with me for a moment that war does not happen because a country hates their neighbor. Wars start and continue because a country does not seek to understand their neighbor.

Marriages end because one or both parties seek to be understood rather than understand the other. Our news, governments and even our houses of worship, teach people to fear their enemies. As though our lives would have peace if we sought to create people who are in our likeness.

I commend to you that when Jesus tells us to “love our enemy” or to “love our neighbor as ourselves,” he is really telling us to seek understanding. For real love, compassion, peace and wholeness is only possible when we seek to truly understand ourselves and others.

I truly believe when Gandhi tells states that “love is the force that can liberate” he is saying that understanding is the key to our freedom within ourselves and one another.

Almost weekly someone asks me what I believe is going to fix the “homeless issue” in Lakeland. And though I often give them a speech about setting boundaries and the need for more beds, what I wish I had time to say to each of them is understanding.

I get frustrated on all sides of the homeless concerns in Lakeland. Often liberal voices simply want to blame industry, laws and a lack of resources in the community. More conservative voices want to blame the homeless and individuals or as a collective for lazy choices and liberals for wanting to create a social state for entitled people to sponge off them.

But just as the community is split, so is that homeless population themselves. Some complain that the community has abandoned them in their most difficult moment — given there is a lack of jobs and medical insurance and rolling lay offs.

And then there are those small numbers of homeless and social welfare families who really do feel entitled and believe it is up to Lakeland as a community to tend to their needs.

At the end of the day, we all want the same thing. Tea Party men and women, chronic homeless, downtown shop owners, pastors, politicians alike want to be heard, respected for who we are.

We all want to know love and in the end, we all simply want to be understood as individuals and not as a collective.

Until we mindfully stop our blind acting and start listening, we as a society will always seek to control or shiver in fear around our enemies. I am ending as I began, “…’love our enemy’ is impossible, because the moment we love him, he is no longer our enemy.”

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index photo credit: the|G|™

Of course it’s difficult to sit and pray with a mourning family. Still, you see the soft tenderness of an old husband holding the hand of his lifetime bride or a family circled around their mother or father telling memories of life, hope or regrets.

Grieving is natural – a part of the circle of life. It is the band that connects people to family, community and the reality of the frailty of life. The words “from ashes to ashes” should not just be a reminder that we all eventually die, but that we should treasure those around us and love is special and impermanent.

However, the most difficult hospital rooms to walk into are the ones where no one has gathered. Where contacts were called and no one cared to come.

A few weeks ago I wrote about Danny Boy, the man barred from many places in Lakeland. A man whose incontinence kept most from getting close.

This week Danny Boy was found dead near Lake Morton.

Danny fell through the cracks of Lakeland. Not because he was invisible. Everyone downtown knew him. Danny Boy was found usually circling Kentucky and Main shuffling his feet; acting and smelling as a constant reminder of homeless issues in our community. Danny fell through the cracks because he was that reminder.

The saddest part of Danny’s death this week was not where he died. It was how he lived. Danny had been homeless, incontinent and alone in Lakeland for almost seven years.

After suffering from several strokes, Danny was left with very little mobility. He was left incontinent and unable to stay clean. After being banned from most businesses and shelters in the area, Danny was left without access to restrooms and showers. He was left without shelter. He was left alone.

His death ended his endless shuffle away from those who wanted him to move along. His death meant that Danny is finally at peace.

The tragedy of Danny’s death will come now to Lakeland. To our community, Danny was the image of God at our doorway.

“The poor will always be among us” was not a reminder that we have to always deal with those less fortunate. It was a lesson that God will constantly show His face. He looks to see if we are sharing the grace He has shown. If we are showing that face to those around us.

In a world and community like we are blessed to live in today, no one should die lost, forgotten and alone.

Last week Danny died — lost, forgotten and alone. With Danny died one opportunity to respond to God’s love.

What other faces of God are shuffling around us? How are we going to do better when we meet them?

photo credit: Zero1o1

Note: Due to a production error, this column originally misidentified the columnist as Chuck Welch. Chris Craig is correct.

Sitting down to write, I was drawn to so many different angles I thought I could have written from. The first was to try to write an explanation and letter to radical Muslims explaining the anger and freedoms which our American radical Christians enjoy. I would have tried to explain that though their fundamentalist outliers become angry flag and building burning terrorists, our fundamentalist Christians do not have to burn buildings to get attention. They have a whole FOX News network to drive their hate and fear.

See, right now America needs someone or something to blame for their economy. And truthfully isn’t it so much easier to blame a distant land or religion for our misfortune, misspending and self-indulgent lifestyle? Yet by responding with those types of words, I am only tempted into the same anger and fear which is driving those conservative voices.

Then I thought I could write the article advising Rev. Terry Jones and his Cologne congregation in Florida who desired to commemorate 9/11 by burning sacred scripture. Reminding them about the how their Lord asks them to treat their enemies.

44But I tell you: Love your enemies[a]and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matt 5:44-48)

And reminding Americans of how we feel when we hear a country is burning our flag how would we act if they were burning our bible!

However, in the end, the article which I felt the most called to share was more of a critical reflection on myself. See, my first response when someone asked me as a soul-centered, religious minded Christian was to turn to meditative, mindful silence. And though there is certainly a time for just quiet being these many years since 9/11, my response (and I believe the response of religious minded grace centered believers) needs to be one of seeking reconciliation, peace and understanding.

For example the Bishop of a group gathered in Washington this last week drafted a letter of memoriam which sought understanding and yet acknowledged the loss of lives.

A statement from Bishop Larry M. Goodpaster, President of the Council of Bishops, and Bishop Neil L. Irons, Executive Secretary of the Council of Bishops, follows:

As we approach yet another September 11, we are reminded that the world we live in continues to be a fragile place where emotions and tensions run high. There are not many of us who will ever forget where we were on that September morning nine years ago. We should never forget those whose lives were taken away in the horror of just a few hours.

September 11 should be, for all of us, a day of prayer for peace in this world. It should be a day for quiet remembrance and reflection as we seek to find and live in the ways of peace. We think of Jesus pausing on his way into the holy city of Jerusalem on the day we call Palm Sunday. He wept over the city—not so much for what was about to happen to him, but because the people did not know the things that make for peace (Luke 19:41-42). We suspect he still weeps, looking out over the world we currently inhabit.

September 11 should be a day of prayer for rebuilding and restoring relationships, and for reaching out to find ways to work and live together in this world. It is not a day for burning the holy book of another faith tradition. Tragically one person has garnered headlines for advocating such a thing. There is nothing of Jesus in such an action. In fact, as we recall, there was a time when the disciples wanted to call down fire from heaven on the perceived enemies for refusing to receive Jesus. No, Jesus said; in fact he “rebuked” those who advocated such a means. (Luke 9:51-55). Such an action is not the way of Jesus, nor the way of peace and love.

From a meeting earlier this week in Washington, DC, of religious leaders of many faith communities:

“We are convinced that spiritual leaders representing the various faiths in the United States have a moral responsibility to stand together and to denounce categorically, derision, misinformation or outright bigotry directed against any religious group in this country. Silence is not an option. Only by taking this stand, can spiritual leaders fulfill the highest calling of our respective faiths, and thereby help to create a safer and stronger America for all of our people.” ** (Bishop Larry M. Goodpaster President, Council of Bishops)

I do believe we as Americans need to remember the losses of loved ones and certain freedoms which 9/11 left us. However, many years since the loss, I believe we also have a responsibility to learn from our misfortune and find ways to build dialogue, to seek areas where peace, hope and love can be shared. For if we only celebrate 9/11 each year with silence, anger and fear, we will never find the peace and forgiveness which are the gifts that are granted through, grace, hope and reconciliation.

photo credit: jmw_wilson

One might think after reading my last articles Oh Danny Boy or Speaking for my Constituents, that I was some flaming liberal who wanted to foster a social welfare state in the City of Lakeland. Some might think that I think that our public officials and community need to dismiss the needs of merchants and taxpaying citizens to tend to the homeless condition in Lakeland.

For the last several weeks some people apparently read into my articles that I believed for someone to be right in their faith, they needed to blindly give their money and resources to everyone who claims to be homeless and hungry in our city’s parks and streets.

Thus, I want to make a few of my Religion in The City opinions a bit more clear. First, I myself do not believe that blind faith or any other spirit-centered action should ever be done without prayerful consideration for the person, place or community. The parable of the Good Samaritan is not a story about a traveler who finds a beat up man on the road and in a sacred fashion decides to throw the man a couple of bucks so he doesn’t feel bad walking around him.

I am not advocating that either the City of Lakeland or individuals in it throw money or resources which would blindly allow camping, loitering and pan-handling in the City of Lakeland. What I want to awaken is a community of soul-centered citizens who do not want to walk around those who are beaten and broken. I desire to speak words of unity and oneness in our community. Blind giving can be just as sinful as cheap grace. Both are requests and expect answers with no intent of a relationship. For even though it appears we are tending to the poor, giving someone a dollar or handout just appeases one’s guilt. Giving just so that we don’t have to really encounter or address a person’s real needs. It has the potential to be as wrong as a blanket no-camping ordinance which has the potential to criminalize homelessness.

Once again, do not get me wrong. I am not against a Camping Ordinance which sets boundaries and fosters healthy opportunities for appropriate shelter and care for our neighbors who might be lost and struggling in our community.

For example, wouldn’t it be amazing if — before seeking to trespass homeless campers — our city police were instructed to give them the option to appear in front of a partner church or social service agency? An organization trained and funded to hear and address people’s individual homeless needs?

This still gives our police the tools needed to keep the peace and set boundaries. Yet, it also grants those with broken stories the opportunity to write a new healthy chapter to their life’s narrative.

Whether you seek your religious calling or voice from Moses, Mohamed, The Buddha or Jesus, your calling to your neighbor will never be one that asks you to blindly dismiss or dehumanize another’s brokenness. There is no easy black and white answer for why the “poor will always be among us”. But there will always be an individual life story in the midst of a person’s brokenness. Only when we are willing to join in people’s individual journeys will we be able to end homelessness.

An ill given or dismissive dollar won’t buy a cup of coffee, but a mindful dollar given with time and dignity can build community, grant hope and renew a life.

photo credit: Alejandro @horno

Though most police, non-profits and churches know him, Danny never asks anyone for anything. Danny cannot get a job because of his broken English and has incontinence from his numerous strokes. He doesn’t have medical insurance so hospitals treat him but will not hold him. After his last stroke, they tended to him for a week and then had a taxi drop him off on Kentucky Boulevard, barely able to stand or walk.

Danny has to keep moving though; he doesn’t want to stop anywhere too long down town, because of the smell of his clothing, even after it is washed. Because of his many strokes Danny has a very difficult time walking or really even expressing his needs. He cannot hold his bowels and he is trespassed from any restaurant restroom. His potent smell has him formally trespassed from almost every business and even a couple of church properties in Lakeland. Even the local non-profits are only willing to wash his clothes and deliver food trays to him outside.

If you were to ask Danny, he will tell you that since he has been here almost 12 years Lakeland is his home. He has no living relatives, so he has no other place he could go for peace. Danny is unfortunately a good example of Lakeland’s chronic homeless who have fallen through all the social service cracks.

He does not have enough mental illness to be Baker Acted. He’s not a veteran, so he doesn’t have any special medical or housing benefits. He would not be eligible for public housing. After being trespassed and arrested, he has several misdemeanors which would deny him housing benefits. If you run into him on the street or in the park, you might think that he is lost or confused because he seems to never just sit or stand in one place.

Because of all these many factors, Danny sleeps out of sight in the midst of high weeds in either the “Asian Jungle” on 92 or sheltered behind brush near the overpass and railroad tracks on the west side of town.

I share Danny’s description and plight with you for two reasons. First, because he is an example of someone who would be seriously affected by the “Camping Ordinance” Lakeland is trying to put in effect in September. An ordinance which would make Danny’s type of homelessness a crime.

Second, because I cannot think of a better example of Christ’s presence in our community. It is pleasant to think of Jesus as a robed, Caucasian hippy with long hair, bright teeth and a firm handshake. It is convenient to pray to a God at Church or Synagogue who looks like you do, one that may smell like sweet incense which a cantor spreads throughout a Mass or cooked turkey at a Thanksgiving meal. But this is not how God has said he will look, act or smell when he comes to our doors.

2All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34″Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37″Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40″The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ (Matt 25:32-40)

In your meditations and prayers this week, I would like you to consider what we in Lakeland are saying to God at our doors, with a blanket “Camping Ordinance?” And one step further than that question, looking at the scripture above, would we be the sheep or goats, the wheat or the chaff?

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photo illustration credit: Edward Allen L. Lim

I suppose this would make sense if we really are to think of a government official as a representative of the community they serve. However isn’t there an implicit agreement that our elected officials will collect information and act in good faith as a voice for the voiceless? I’m not sure if voting for constituents equates to voting for the best interests of a community.

Is not acting a certain way just for the support of the popular a little like handing out candy to the captains of the dodge ball team so you don’t get picked last? Now that I think of it, I do remember distantly throwing a pizza party my sophomore year of high school to convince the students in my class that I would be the best voice for their SADD president.

I remember thinking I was so smart when I realized that the community activist kids in my classes cared far more about the pizza than my heartfelt concern about Students Against Drunk Driving. All of this seems very funny and simple now, but I wonder how many of our local, state and federal elected officials learned these lessons when they were young?

To be fair about what expectations we have set up for our elected officials, the question could be asked: is my expectation in voting for someone that they will have the best interests of the community in mind, or my best interest in mind? Do we expect our officials to faithfully seek out what is loving and right for our communities? Do we have an expectation that they will be a clear voice for those with no voice or do we elect people who we believe will carry out our own agendas and needs?

Many years after my SADD election realization about how to win votes and influence people by doing what they want, I found myself sitting in a college class on ethics where the question was posed, “Do you feed the hungry because they are hungry or because God told you to?” That is an interesting question which we may need to be asking our elected officials. Are they people who say the right thing because it is true, right and fair or because they know what it is we want to hear?

This week, as you listen to your president or consider the actions of your governor and mayor, stop and ask yourself the question: who’s best interests are they acting in and what are they doing which is just right? The question of what your expectations are for your elected officials is certainly a question to meditate and prayerful consider this week.

photo credit: TheVerve

Maybe one of the best examples was the struggle between loving one’s neighbor could be characterized by the German Lutheran theologian and writer Dietrich Bonheoffer’s notion of “Large Heartedness”. Just when World War II was going through its ascendancy stage, German Lutheran Pastor Bonheoffer took exile in New York City’s Union Seminary in Harlem. There he attended an African American congregation struggling with civil rights issues. In the heat of being part of such a radical fight for liberation, Bonheoffer was called in a deep way to unite with his neighbor through “Large Heartedness,” for he was struggling with what it really meant for a community to strive to love his neighbors as self in the midst of persecution. People say that it was through the lesson that Bonheoffer learned in Harlem that he was able to established the courage to return to his home congregation in Germany and publicly speak out against Hitler. A decision, I would like to mention, which lead to his execution.

I think what lead to this week’s observance and study of the religious calling to relationship with neighbor, is because I have realized as of late that I really do not know my neighbors. As a child I was a bit of a TV kid who kept to myself and really did not bond with neighborhood children. In college I knew my dorm or campus mates but only really in a superficial way. Though I have attended, even assisted and taught in churches most of my life, I have kept a safe distance, not wanting to share too much personal information. Church in many ways has felt like work to me. I’m not sure if you can relate to this feeling, but sometimes I think church relationships can be some of the most masked relationships with one’s neighbor that people have. And even though I know how important it is to share the intimacy of Christ’s love with a loving community and Church. Some of the most important gifts of foundation and discernment come through a truthful vulnerability which is meant to unite one another in community.

Kristin Tippett in her book Speaking of Faith points out “The context of most religious virtue is relationship — practical love in families and communities, and care for the suffering and the stranger beyond the bounds of one’s own identity.” (p.3)

What I have come to realize is just how little I know about what the “friends” or neighbors who sit next to me in cafés, bars or even church, do. This last week I got a photo head shot done by a “friend” I sit next to and joke with at least three of four times a week in town. It turned out my “friend” Mookie is really Michael Wilson, an award winning photographer for the Ledger. In the same way my pal Rob who I see around town for coffee and conversation several times a week is really Dr. Tate who is the Vice President at Florida Southern University. Now in all honesty these are just two interesting examples of neighbors who I knew what they do, but up to recently have never really gotten to know the implication of what they do and who they are.

I believe one of the key issues which our society’s religious communities are not really addressing is people’s lack of knowledge about who their neighbor is. How are we supposed to be our brothers keeper or Love our neighbor as ourselves if so much of our religious life and spirituality is wrapped up in a our own heads and our personal relationship with our maker.

This week, in the midst of your prayers and mediations, I commend to you the person sitting in the café, bar, workplace and church sitting across from you –the one next to you. And leave you with the question, “How well do you know your neighbor?”

photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Metro I4 News

Before departing Florida, I had the great honor of interviewing the boys from Magnificent Applesauce (“MagSauce” as they call themselves). It has been quite awhile since I wrote last, but this posting is special since I got to record my first podcast with three of the four members in the band.

Chad Kostella, guitar/lead vocals; Riz Blanton, drums/percussion; and Jason Sims, lead guitar/vocals, took some time out of their schedules to update everyone with what is happening in their world. Leo Sauvinon-Mota, bass/vocals, was sick and did not make the interview.

LAKELAND, Fla. – Far from being a garage band, the members in MagSauce are doing everything in their power to share their original music, represent Lakeland’s music scene and inspire other original musicians to take their own craft to a higher level.

What began as a side project thought over eight years ago has become one of the most original sounds in today’s local music scene.

“The idea began in 2002, but nothing seriously until 2008,” Kostella said, who also added that “boredom” made him want to pursue music again.

“Being out of it for so long, I got the itch,” Sims added, “It was a long time since we played in our other band, and we had the opportunity over again. Take music more seriously.” And they did.

MagSauce has been playing regularly for the past six months in Lakeland, Tampa and, most recently, Orlando. Even landing a third place tie in 97X’s Memorial Day Backyard BBQ online competition. The main reason they have been playing so much again is to fund their self produced album, which will be released later this year or early 2011, “We are going to finish a 5 – 6 song EP,” Kostella said.

Two songs, “Fight Night” and “A Song,” are their leading singles from the album and can be heard in the podcast below.

“We picked them quickly,” Kostella said. “We had ten songs to choose from, but these address what we are doing. ‘A Song’ is an up-beat song; ‘Fight Night’ is more musical.”

RE-GROWTH

“Lakeland is in a re-growth right now,” Blanton said. “We’re in a hotspot. “We got Tampa, Orlando; we are smack in the middle.” And this “hotspot” has been good to them, too. “It’s a great spot and we love Lakeland a lot,” Sims added.

Location is an important factor, but the boys were grateful with the work being done by a couple of local promoters.

“TJ kind of started it all,” Kostella said. “Gave it a spark to where we are now. He has a good equation and a good formula.” “TJ” is TJ Alcock, owner of Central Florida Entertainment, Booking and Promotional Marketing.

During the interview, Blanton stressed the help and hard work from Polk Theatre. The venue, with the help of Sarah Conness, features special local shows under the name “Underground at the Polk.”

Sims added the venue needs local support to continue, “We definitely have to keep the Polk Theatre alive.”

To find out more about Alcock’s projects and Underground at the Polk, find them on Facebook by searching EntertainingFl and Underground at the Polk.

WORD OF WISDOM

Kostella, Blanton, Sims and Savinon-Mota were all members of the popular band As You Wish, and they all had the opportunity of touring across the U.S. several years ago.

“It’s a new way of life,” Blanton said. “We went out there, did it, played everywhere.” Touring the U.S. and playing rock star might sound exciting, but not everything was perfect on the road.

“On a very serious note, no matter what you do, these are your brothers or your sisters, if there are females in your group,” Sims said, “If you mess up on a part or played the wrong note, get over yourself. It’s not an ego thing, keep creating.”

And speaking about creating, Kostella and Blanton had some pointers for younger artists trying to break into the music scene.

“It’s starts with an idea,” Blanton said, “Get your buddies together and start writing.” Kostella added, “never feel satisfed with your song. Record bits and pieces, put them together, work past your creativity.”

And to get shows around town?

“Get a halfway decent recording. Video tape yourself. Do all the promo you can,” Kostella said.

Anyone interested in seeing MagSauce live can catch then this Thursday, July 8 at Hurricane Alley in Downtown Lakeland.

These guys are a phenomenally creative group, and I can proudly say that for years they have been an important source of inspiration. Even giving me the first shows I ever played in the (863).

To learn more about MagSauce, visit their site http://www.magsauce.com or simply search MagSauce on your favorite online search engine or social media network.

Note: Since this was my first recording, there are some unfortunate sound glitches, but it is a fun interview. And the song recordings are 100 percent perfect. Enjoy.

MagSauce_Podcast_1_Final by 48StatesAway


photo credit: Courtesy of MagSauce for Metro I4 News

My guess is that many of you are here today listening to me speak simply because it is one of the mandatory activities in the program. But why did you pick this program for yourself and your children? Is it because you hope this program will provide you with the safe space and time you need to get a job and find a home; while at the same time providing care for your children? But other than stability, what other reason or purpose could getting a job and home have for you?

What makes a good job worth having or having a stable home any better than the transitory living of couch jumping? Could it possibly be that besides just the permanence of a good space or job, there is a personal satisfaction and fulfillment from it that makes you feel like you are living a good life?

I have heard it said that money and possessions are not worth having if you do not feel you have worked to feel you deserve them. I guess I have found the same to be true about hope and grace. Though I know grace is a free gift and I do not believe in works righteousness. There has always been a side of me that felt like I was more personally fulfilled and satisfied when I was attempting to live a good life.

I also have to confess as this group begins that there are times when I wake up and don’t like my job or can’t stand the place I live. It is in those moments when I realize that there has to be something more to living a “good life” than having a job and a stable place to live. This group is for asking and attempting to answer some of these core questions: What more is there to a good life? What should I do with my life? What sort of person do I want to be?

Later I thought Socrates’ might have asked it best some 2,500 years ago when he asked, “What would a life worth living look like?” I am constantly amazed when talking with people who are walking through hell in their lives, how so much of their anguish revolves around a felt incompleteness or lack of purpose.

Our work places, just like our social services, ask us to build and reach goals to create measurable successes. Yet how many friends, how many family members, neighbors or co-workers do you know could not even begin to imagine what a life worth living would have in it? Oh if you ask most people they can tell you that more money, the right woman or man, a bigger house or a better job would make them happy.

But how much money? What would the right relationship have to have? How many rooms, in what state, community or neighborhood would the bigger house have to have to be fulfilling? If they had the perfect job, what would it be, what difference would it have to make in the world or their family to really make them feel like they had a purpose?

The Cherokee use the word uyelvdvi, which can be interpreted as “real purpose”. Cherokee writer Joyce Sequiehie Hifler says that uyelvdvi comes from asking “who we are and what we believe”.

This week in your prayers and meditations I commend to you the old Socratic question: What would life worth living look like?

photo credit: Chuck Welch for Metro I4 News