Manluth,

I am sorry you took this story of someone's journey as self-righteous. Many times, unfortunately, this happens. Someone (in this case Audra) shares their heart and opens up about how God and stretched and changed them in beautiful ways and, instead of seeing it as someone's story or testament, there is the assumption that one's story is a soap box or a pointed finger. My guess is she didn't mention the suburbs because her story is not about how God changed her and called her to minister in the suburbs. That may be someone else's story, but it isn't hers. In no place, did I see her minimize where God could work. She simply stated where God had worked in her life and who God used to inspire her to make that move.

I would have to say I understood this blog quite differently than you did. I saw someone who opened up and shared her own admittance of her shortcomings and, perhaps, flawed perspective about the world, suburbia, and the inner city. I was able to hear the story of someone who experienced something new and learned a very important lesson we could all take to heart (whether in the city or suburbs)--to completely rely on God.

My best friend and college roommate Elaine, lives in Connecticut while I am in KC. A few months ago, she came to visit for 9 weeks while participating in a clinical for her doctorate (she's wicked smart).

Since being roomies in college, we had changed jobs, got married, bought homes, faced death of loved ones. We had changed. Even with all of that, the day she came, it was like no time had passed. Nothing had changed, because she understands me in a way no one else ever will.

The reason for this is because we journeyed through college together--our most formative years. Elaine experienced these years with me. She is the only one who knows why I have the foundations I have, the insecurities I have, the loyalties I have. To me, the distance doesn't matter. And I think it's ok if the daily communication isn't always there, because these types of friendships are stronger than that.

I think those are great questions and my hope would be that the walls between the sacred and the secular begin to be ignored...or at least blurred.

I think so many times people feel the need to put a Christian stamp on things and I'm not sure why. We even see it in publishing. People seem to get uncomfortable with a subtle Christian message and instead want something the screams, "I'm Christian. I'm safe. You can read me."

You forgot While You Were Sleeping...The BEST non-Christmas Christmassy movie of all time!

I totally agree with you. McCracken was pointing out a problem that reaches further than one small group. I think he was using hipsters as an example. The thing that has surprised me the most is how much media time he is getting because of this opinion: Christianity Today, Relevant, and The Wall Street Journal. Whether right or wrong, he is getting people's attention.

This is by no means the end to this discussion. Make sure and read today's post.

You have articulated my struggle very well Chad. I also believe it is in the middle and my constant question is, what does that middle look like? And if we follow the life of Jesus, I think it's going to look more extreme than we would like.

Thank you Cliff for your encouraging words.

Yes! Black licorice and Black jelly beans. I always gave my black jelly beans to my brother. But his favorite sandwich was ketchup, mustard and cheese. So I think his taste buds were a little off.

Anytime work is being done to help preserve the humanity, dignity, and life of a people the work of the Lord is being accomplished. As believers, when we accept God’s call to love our neighbors, we also acknowledge God’s prevenient grace goes before us and works through us. You mentioned a concern about us only doing social work in Immokalee. While social work is essential in our communities and to our nation, the very nature of restorative justice is Christ-centered. Restorative justice takes place when a community of believers doesn’t just fight for a right or two, but invest in a people through intentional relationships. There are over 40 different, local churches who are going into Immokalee (and areas like it) to be a voice to the voiceless and to build relationships with the people… It is very much a Christ compelled and Christ driven work.

The reason why the early Nazarenes in L.A. were so successful with their ministry and work is because of the incarnate nature of how they loved. They didn’t love from a distance. Instead, they moved into the neighborhood and they listened to the poor to understand their needs so that they could best love and serve them. With God’s grace and faithful hands, hopefully the same thing can happen in Immokalee.