Chicago...Lessons Learned.

I just can't stop thinking about Chicago. Our simple Spring Break trip a few weeks ago has ballooned into more than I ever could have imagined.

And, I'm so proud of our students. I've seen them take what they experienced in a short week's time and run with it. Some went back for a unique immersion experience with Emmaus Ministries. Others put together a presentation on what we learned for other Taylor students. Many slept outside during Social Justice Week at Taylor as an act of solidarity. A group of students began going through a curriculum on poverty and God's heart for the poor and oppressed. Still others went and prepared a meal for some homeless people in our community and then sat down and ate with them. The list could go on...

In order to help me continue to process and remember what we learned, I've decided to write about lessons we learned while in Chicago with Sunshine Gospel Ministries. Most of this comes straight from the teachings of Joel Hamernick. Much of the lessons apply to life wherever we are and I am excited to share those on this blog. This new blog series will be called "Chicago".

Note to Sunshine Gospel

Maybe I'm naive, but I'm positive that some things actually changed in my life and in the lives of students here at Taylor. I've seen the change begin (and I'm realistic with change after doing multiple short term missions experiences). I've seen students approaching their minority roommate with a whole different perspective. I've heard about tough conversations. I've seen our students already pursue opportunities to share what they are learning in a variety of contexts.

Me. I view the world different. Will I sway from this at times. Yes, probably so. But, my eyes have been renewed. I view all situations through a fresher lens. A lens, I believe, that is a little more like the lens Jesus uses. My perspective is more eternal than it was 12 days ago. Thank you for being faithful in communicating and sharing what God has laid on your heart. I know it can get tiring and seem hopeless, but you have done a good work.

We most definitely saw compassion and peace modeled. You shared a tough message gracefully. You challenged us not out of guilt but solely out of a shift in worldview, a worldview shaped by the word of the almighty God. Your values were clear. Live justly. Love mercy. Walk humbly as we seek to see the poor and different than us the way God views them. This conversation will continue but I must work on my homework. Thanks Sunshine for sharing your time and your heart and your unique (sadly) view of the City from a Godly perspective.

Jumbled but I must...

My thoughts are completely jumbled, but I must begin to get some thoughts down. I spent last week in Chicago with a group of 21 amazing people (seen above) and I sincerely believe (and maybe naively hope) that we were changed.

As we debriefed on Saturday, I came away with three phrases that I believe summed up my experience:

1. Reshaped/Renewed Eyes
2. Responders not Fixers
3. Role in the Kingdom

I've been back at school (trying feverishly to do work with little to show for it) and I've been thinking a lot about why God sent me to Chicago to learn and experience what I did last week. You see, call me crazy, but I'm convinced that I was only their last week because God intended and foreknew that I be there. I know I learned and I know I see the world at least a little differently, but where to next?

That is what I'm thinking through and that is where my thoughts seem to continue.