Walk Across Alabama

The walk begins in four days…I am so grateful for those who are walking along the way, serving as our support crew, and for the churches hosting us each night. I believe this will do so much to help us raise awareness and help people connect.

So, the loaded question….why is there poverty? Where does it come from? Why is it so hard to end? According to the research of Dr. Ruby Payne who has a PhD in Education and has done extensive work in poverty there are four main areas of research as it relates to poverty. Those four are individual behaviors, absence of social capital, human exploitation, and political/economic structure. She offers these as causes, discusses the assumptions, and some of the strategies to help.

The first category, individual behaviors, is where most people would spend their time diagnosing the root causes of poverty. It is where you will find many agencies offering direct services. The behaviors of the individual are items like dependence upon welfare, bad behavior of individuals, individual morality, single parenthood, bad mothers, mother centered, values held by the poor, lack of work ethic, commitment to achievement, breakup of families, addiction, mental illness, and domestic violence. Assumptions then are generated. For instance by studying the poor, we will learn what changes individuals should make in order to climb out of poverty, the poor are somehow lacking, either by their bad choices or by circumstances. They should become “like us”. And poverty is a sustainable condition. What tends to be said among those discussing this are, “Don’t blame the system; change the individual” and “don’t upset the system”. Therefore strategies to end poverty that concentrate upon individual behaviors include holding the individual accountable and using sanctions when necessary, target individuals, work first, self sufficiency, enhance language experience, literacy, treatment interventions, work ethic, mentors, asset development, abstinence education, marriage promotion, and caseload reductions.

Many would hold that poverty then is more related to factors that happen to individuals and therefore if you can somehow “fix” the individual either through education, helping get a sustainable job, getting them out of substance abuse, etc. then you will help them get out of poverty.

This again is one dimension of understanding poverty and answering the question why. Yet, there three other areas we will view that will help round this out.

What we know is that Christ had a heart for the poor. Several of his parables centered on reaching out to others who were left on the margins. His famous sermon on the mount as recorded in Luke starts out, “Blessed are the poor, for they will inherit the Kingdom of heaven”. The proverbs and psalms are filled with warnings to not take advantage of the poor. (Another category of poverty). Therefore as we walk-what can we do? We can repair homes because lack of resources are real, we can help children with their education-literacy… these are in this first category of helping with individual needs and allows us an opportunity to be in direct relationship with families. Then we begin to understand.

See you on the walk! (all information is from “Bridges out of Poverty”-Ruby Payne)

I bought two pair of shoes as my other ones were worn out…I started breaking those in the other day.  I’ve been spoiled in my training as I’ve been in an air conditioned gym or walking in the early morning. It’s so different with the sun on your back and little to no shade. But, maybe this is good. Maybe this is a reminder that no situation is ideal-no matter how hard we try to control it. The reality that so many Alabamians face is hard…there is a lot of worry, a lot of sweat, and a lot of just plain survival. When walking, I’m just thinking about the next drink of water-the next break. People living in poverty deal with a survival mentality. For a moment I understand.

The next few posts are going to unfold a little bit more about why there is poverty…what is the cause and where does it come from…you might be surprised at some of the research that shows its source. May even be offended that in some ways we in the middle and wealth classes unknowingly perpetuate it. You are welcome to comment on these if you like but hope this will be insightful to you.  I’ll start with Phase I-individual behaviors tomorrow.

Just a few more little details and we are ready to go!

Thanks and see you on the walk!

Alabama Live Interview

First, I have to say “thank you” to WSFA and Kim Hendrix for allowing us another opportunity to share about the work of ARM and more specifically the walk. I was glad to have Carla Reddle join us. This will be Carla’s second summer of serving with us and she will also be a support driver. I’m not sure what is worse-walking 20 miles a day-or driving 20 miles.

So, I’m really excited! We will have people joining us in some of the communities as we stop through and we are having the United Methodist television crew coming to Selma to film. It will be very exciting but it is still really about those we will be serving. I love where Jesus describes his mission as to give sight to the blind, release the captives, and allow the oppressed to go free.  I pray that is our sense of mission. As we get closer, I will be writing a little bit more about our call to serve with the poor and those who struggle.

If you still want to walk but aren’t registered, we have extended the deadline to June 4th. If you are in Tuskegee or Auburn, we would love for you to join us for the launch event and possibly walk a mile or two. Our next big rally time is in Selma and we will have a workday on the 13th. We will meet at Church Street UMC in downtown Selma. A reception is planned in Livingston on June 19th as we finish our journey. So, please pray for us or find us somewhere on HW 80!

Finally-please pray for me…I’ve been a bit under the weather which makes training somewhat difficult.

Blessings!- see you on the walk

Between 11:00 and 12:00 today you can catch us on WSFA Channel 12 Alabama Live with Kim Hendrix. We will be talking about the walk. If you can’t view it today we will post the link on our site!

Last night was special! I missed it because of military duty, but it was something! Last night our summer staff for the camps arrived in Tuskegee. They will spend the next 10 days training here, then split to there sites for a week of setup before they begin hosting the youth work teams. So, what happened last night?

It was a down home party. Potluck dishes, a comfortable Alabama Spring afternoon, some live music-even a bit of line dancing and this was all organized by some of the families we have served with by repairing their homes. ARM is designed as a family based ministry. We do not view the families we serve with as “projects” or a number…they are, well, our friends.

Christ called us to be in ministry “with” people. Many times you hear people say we are going to minister “to” children in Africa or be in ministry “for” the homeless. Prepositions can say so much. If we are not in ministry “with” or participate in ministry “by” others…we could be a bit short sighted. Why is this? Ministry “to” has a paternalistic connotation and assumes people can do nothing of very little for themselves and need the advice and expertise of what we have to offer to them. It is the “savior on the white horse syndrome”. It can be extremely damaging. Ministry “for” is a bit softer and is more maternalistic. It tends to feel sorry for people, does not create opportunities for people/clients to participate in the actions and again sees people more as projects. The name of Christ or Immanuel means “God With Us”. We are actively engaged in Christ’s saving work and further expression of grace. Ministry “with” and “by” allows participation by all parties, sees us all as agents of change, and creates a more holistic approach being in mission together.

So, on Thursday night, we call came together and our families gathered with us to prepare savory down home dishes, pick some tunes on a guitar, and even have some spirited line dancing. This was closed in prayer. Our notion of fellowship was taken to a new level. Imagine these kinds of celebrations breaking out across our state. White, black, low income, moderate income, young, old, and much more just coming together to celebrate and share. That looks like the “party” that the angels could get excited about. All these things are another reason to walk! Just a few weeks away!

See you on the walk!

I have enjoyed so much my daily walks and the things I get to think about and notice. This weekend I have been in Alexander City. On weekends when we have National Guard drill, this is where I stay. Alex City has an amazing Sports Plex which is basically a large park with all kinds of recreational facilities. It blends this with walking trails, ponds, and tons of trees. It makes it a pleasant experience just to walk through…and so a few notions came to mind as I took time to walk through this area. Mainly, I noticed the ways that God reveals His presence to us; and that He uses His creation to signal his all encompassing love.

As I began my journey, I came across a water wheel gently spinning through a stream. As its paddles dipped into the cool creek; it scooped up water, poured it over its top, and started the cycle all over again. Water has so many meanings; purification, life, and of course the symbol of our baptism. I was reminded of Christ who taught us that when we become His followers, one of the symbols is to be baptized. As we go under the water, or are sprinkled, it signifies our dying to our self and our old life and rising again new as Christ resurrected. On this afternoon, I remembered the new life given through Christ and the gift of my baptism.

The second thing I noticed was the tops of the pine trees. With it being spring, there are signs of new life flooding all around us. If you have allergies, then you are not impressed with the swollen tufts of pollen engulfing the trees. But, look closely- as this occurrence will be gone shortly…but as you gaze at the very tops of the trees, the styluses form small crosses. The tree branches seemingly raise their boughs in praise to their Creator. And near Easter, these pine trees take on the sign of the cross. What an incredible witness of God’s presence.

Thirdly, well this one will seem odd…but other things catching my attention were the cars, picnic tables, buildings, and all the things we haven been able to create. God made us with an incredible ability to make invent, dream, and create-something He knows all too well about. And so I was able to say thanks for the intelligence he gave us and the opportunity to dream and make items that help enhance our life experience. To take this one step further is to put these items in their proper place. All these things are God’s and belong to Him; he’s just allowed me to use them. I don’t have permission to hoard them for myself but rather to share and use them for His glory. 

So, just a few thoughts for you as we get closer to June 8^th. I know this is a bit long for a blog but just a few thoughts for the walk.

Just five weeks away!!!! See you on the walk.

One of the great things about working with ARM is travelling and visiting different churches. You learn so much by worshipping with different faith communities and participating in various worship styles. This morning I went to Moundville, AL-just outside of Tuscaloosa, to a little, country church snuggled off of County Road 45- Stewart United Methodist Church. I always enjoy visiting this wonderful congregation. Walking into this church is like stepping into Grandma’s kitchen-something has been cooking in the back and everyone smiles and greets you like they have known you all of their life-like a family reunion and you are meeting your third cousins. Although it only has about 45-50 people worshipping with them, it has one of the most vibrant and spirit filled choirs I have ever heard. They sing big and it is just…well…fun!

Today was so special as I had been asked to speak about ARM, our walk, and the amazing endeavors we have this summer. I told a bit of our journey and shared a personal story about one of our families who after having a work team replace their roof, began attending a church and also now send ARM a $20 money order once a month- a huge act of faithfulness on their part. The pastor, Rev. Reba Wiley, who is a fire ball, preached on Luke 24, The Hands and Feet of Christ. It is a passage where Jesus has to show his disciples his wounds on his hands and feet because they think he is a ghost. The scars on His hands and feet, authenticated and verified who He was. She of course challenged us to be the extension of Christ’s hands and feet. I began thinking that eventhough we don’t carry the wounds from his crucifixion, we certainly should have His hands and feet…hands that love and reach out in service, and feet that are willing to carry us to where ever He calls. At the close of the service, we sang the hymn “Are You Able”, which begins “Are You Able”, said the Master, “to be crucified with me”….

After the worship service, a young girl about age 14 or 15, came up to speak with me. She was excited about the walk but told me she would be on a mission trip when we started…then she began to tear up…the second week of the walk she would be attending a camp…her tears turned into an all out sob. Somehow, the stories I shared plus the words from her pastor…but mainly the work of the Holy Spirit-grabbed her heart. As she fought back the tears trickling down her face, she handed me a $20 bill and said she wished she could do more…but that this was all she had.

My heart melted and I teared up with her, hugged her neck, and just repeated “thank you”. The story of the widow’s mite comes to mind. Jesus blessed these simple acts that were done out of complete abandon. I was touched by the faithfulness of this youth. She felt she gave so little-yet she gave it all. As we walk across Alabama, I pray we all have that kind of simple faith and give as we can. We are his hands and feet…reach out….go

Blessings and see you on the walk!

My training plan is coming along well. I’m not rushing it although we are less than 8 weeks from beginning this journey. This week so far I have logged in 17 miles of walking- tomorrow I will add seven more miles to have a total of 24 for the week. Today was a light morning with just two miles and some different weights to mix it up. I am looking forward to my early morning walk tomorrow.

So, what does this have to do with callouses? The first two weeks of training, my feet burned after treking about three-four miles without stopping. The balls of my feet were on fire! I was so sore, I had to rest them on the following day. It’s like guitar players who have to build callouses on their fingers as they are playing before the strings stop hurting them. But now..the callouses are there and my feet no longer burn…it’s a great feeling.

But callouses are not always good. The scriptures warn against a calloused and hardened heart. Sometimes we can become so desensitized to the pain and suffering around us and see so much, that it no longer pricks us to reach out. The opposite side is that we are so isolated or boxed into our own worlds…that we don’t see…can’t respond and thereby become calloused. On a moral level, we can travel down a spiral of sin to the place that we can no longer feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit…our heart has become calloused.

For those of us walking, let’s keep the callouses on our feet -but realize that as we walk on behalf of families in Alabama who struggle under the weight of poverty, who have inadequate housing, and need the touch of Christ-we must keep our hearts soft and from becoming calloused. I pray we have compassion-which in Latin means “with suffering”- we empathize and also do the means necessary to help.

Blessings to you and see you on the walk!

Matthew 13:15 (NIV) For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.

Another round of storms moved through the country and again ravaged the South East. Alabama once again took a beating. During the Good Friday service at church we were forced to stop in the middle of worship and move to a safer side of our building…the rain and sound of hail thundered on the metal roof as the sirens wailed. Fortunately, it passed over us with no issues. But today I received a call from a family. They live on the outskirts of Auburn and were calling on behalf of their parents. Just this past week they had paid off a mobile home for their family…on Friday night it was destroyed by the stom. When I asked how their home was as well, he commented that he had lost several shingles but he couldn’t tell if the structure had been compromised but it didn’t seem to be leaking. However, he was very frustrated. He carries home owner’s insurance. His deductible was rather high-$1000. The kicker is that there is a wind and hail clause and therefore….the damage isn’t covered. He is insured through AIG-the famous insurance bank that received millions of dollars in bail out money and took their corporate staff on a $400,000 retreat-that AIG. So, this family is helping their parents who are now homeless and dealing with the damage of their own home.

It is these situations that keep us walking, keep us praying, and help us know that the body of Christ must come together to serve. Will you walk with us?

It is Holy Week…a special week to be very intentional about what Christ experienced as He prepared to make the most sacrificial move the world has ever known. As we draw closer to Good Friday and Easter, we literally begin to follow Jesus’ footsteps. On Thursday night, I am attending a Sedar meal at the Auburn Wesley Foundation. This is the traditional Passover meal that was the core event during this time. Afterwords, I will be part of a watch service at my church and spend some time praying-remembering the exhaustion and confusion of the disciples in the garden as Jesus prepared for his persecution and death.

Following in Jesus’ footsteps- walking with Christ-demands and expects a level of sacrifice and commitment that only those who follow and serve can understand. Why is this? Not because of rules, expectations, or a list of do’s or don’t…but because of love. True love hurts. True love sacrifices. True love is vulnerable. And in the end, true love brings joy that words do not do justice.

As we walk in the footsteps of Christ through Holy Week, I think of our walk in June. The walk is not a cupcake experience. It will have it’s ups and downs, rain and sun, good days and maybe some bad. I’m not sure. What I do know is that we do this out of love. It is love for our brothers and sisters who are marginalized, love for those who are stuck in poverty, love for children who are the most susceptible in poverty situations. Jesus didn’t have a large list of rules-just two. Love God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. I pray we have the courage to walk with Christ as we walk across Alabama. Have a blessed Holy Week.

See you on the walk!