“Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the Lord.
“I will protect them from those who malign them.”
“You, Lord, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked, who freely strut about when what is vile is honored by the human race.”
Psalm 12:5, 7
“I will protect them from those who malign them.”
“You, Lord, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked, who freely strut about when what is vile is honored by the human race.”
Psalm 12:5, 7
That makes it feel much more real. We just watched the film “Reparando” (thanks Aunt Natalie, & Jane VB!), which tells a few stories from the people of Guatemala City. Stories of displacement, depleted resources, destitute slums, 36 years of civil war, people scrounging through dumps and sewers, fatherless youth, growing gangs and violence. Our hearts shuddered a bit...this is going to be home?
Then came the stories the God writes so well. A green shoot out of the ashes, diamonds rising from deep in the earth. Gang members coming to know God. Abused wife turned illegal immigrant returns to the slums and starts schools to give youth a purpose outside the gangs. Outcast sewer dweller finds dignity and value in helping the school. Little bits of hope. Courage. Scary. Edgy. Faith-filled. Compassionate. Is this the kind of work we'll be doing? Will God show us these kinds of stories?
The needy don't always look like or act like you might want or expect them to. Some might not try hard, be very nice, want help, spend money wisely, eat the right foods, care about their children, care about you, or want a job. In Reparando, we saw needy garbage-scroungers, who combed through basura (english: trash) all day to find recyclables and valuables for a few bucks on a good day. We saw tough, violent, gang members who deal drugs, go to prison, shoot people, and suck young men into their way of life, calling it a family. In the words of the Psalmist, they “freely strut about when what is vile is honored by the human race.” They are the “wicked” but also the “needy.” There is room for God to punish and for God to protect and care...an interesting paradox. Theology aside, people are hurting in Guatemala City. To put places, signs, homes, skies, and faces to this place we've only thought about in our mind up till now makes us scared. It makes us ache. It makes us excited. It makes us overwhelmed by the situations there. It makes us want to pray. It makes us thankful there are already people down there stepping into chaos to bring shalom, that we might join in (and not start from scratch), confident that God will protect us, he will teach us about our own neediness, and he will arise to protect the needy from those who malign them. Amidst all the misalignment in Guatemala City, God is on the move, and hope is sprouting.
Then came the stories the God writes so well. A green shoot out of the ashes, diamonds rising from deep in the earth. Gang members coming to know God. Abused wife turned illegal immigrant returns to the slums and starts schools to give youth a purpose outside the gangs. Outcast sewer dweller finds dignity and value in helping the school. Little bits of hope. Courage. Scary. Edgy. Faith-filled. Compassionate. Is this the kind of work we'll be doing? Will God show us these kinds of stories?
The needy don't always look like or act like you might want or expect them to. Some might not try hard, be very nice, want help, spend money wisely, eat the right foods, care about their children, care about you, or want a job. In Reparando, we saw needy garbage-scroungers, who combed through basura (english: trash) all day to find recyclables and valuables for a few bucks on a good day. We saw tough, violent, gang members who deal drugs, go to prison, shoot people, and suck young men into their way of life, calling it a family. In the words of the Psalmist, they “freely strut about when what is vile is honored by the human race.” They are the “wicked” but also the “needy.” There is room for God to punish and for God to protect and care...an interesting paradox. Theology aside, people are hurting in Guatemala City. To put places, signs, homes, skies, and faces to this place we've only thought about in our mind up till now makes us scared. It makes us ache. It makes us excited. It makes us overwhelmed by the situations there. It makes us want to pray. It makes us thankful there are already people down there stepping into chaos to bring shalom, that we might join in (and not start from scratch), confident that God will protect us, he will teach us about our own neediness, and he will arise to protect the needy from those who malign them. Amidst all the misalignment in Guatemala City, God is on the move, and hope is sprouting.