And that's my situation. I grew up 40 miles from where I will be spending 5 out of 7 days for the summer. The other two I return home to my buffer, my safe spot, my comfort. But during those 5 days a week my buffer and safe zone has been ripped away from me. I experienced this in my first week of the internship. What the city has to offer is incredible, and it makes for an exciting mission field. Especially for a Lutheran looking to broaden the horizon and bring others into the fold under an understanding of grace and the sacraments they never had anywhere else. But that does not come without its reservations.
For a white boy from Long Island the city is intimidating. It is louder than what you're used to, it is faster, and in some respects meaner. It can have a cold streak to it and a sense of not belonging that you may not have felt since high school. For that reason and others the city is a tough place to be, even in the capacity of ministry. The comfort zone is gone and suddenly all you are left with are the raw emotions and people of the projects. What you have to realize is the God of the projects is the same God who provides for you with your own "daily bread." In the context of the Gospel it may not give you earthly treasures or comfort of the local context and easy life bit it hits you all over with the comfort of the Gospel. Jesus Christ, friend to sinners. Real, authentic relationships. THAT'S what being a part of the body of Christ is all about!
And that is the same no matter here.
2 comments:
Booyah (except your comments about "The Greatest City" are clearly off base)
Right on. I think you will find that the icy and mean exterior comes more from being in an unknown world and less from Brooklyn itself. It's natural to feel like an outsider, especially in a place where you stand out like a sore thumb. I pray you will come to know the warmth that New York City and Brooklyn have to offer. Remember- people are tough here, but can also be extremely loving and welcoming, and are probably thinking less about you being different than you are. What you see is what you get, and that can be refreshing when it comes to ministering to people. Cheers for week 2, neighbor!
Post a Comment