In the Wilderness…
The wilderness, or the desert, is a term I have heard used to describe periods of spiritually difficult times. Times of despair, angst, and confusion. It is also a term I have heard used to describe Portland and other similar neighborhoods, food deserts and economic deserts, wastelands of dilapidated houses, shuttered businesses, and closed down hospitals. When you picture a desert in your mind you probably conjure up images of brutal heat and barren land void of signs of life. The desert is always something that is supposed to be worked through, an uncomfortable stage that is grown out of, and an experience that you appreciate but don’t wish to repeat. I always thought of the desert in the same way.
The moments of wilderness that always come to my mind first are the Israelites in the wilderness and Jesus’s temptation. The Israelites had to spend 40 years in the wilderness after believing the bad report of the promised land by 10 spies. It seemed like a punishment. But maybe it was more like the temptations that Jesus had to endure to grow, maybe it was actually a gift to prepare them for when they finally entered the land. Maybe it was not the most pleasant experience, but could a whole generation getting to grow up totally reliant upon the provisions of God really be a bad thing? Maybe the deserts are really supposed to be a period that we are supposed to enjoy.
Living to love people, like we do at Love City, can bring with it periods of barrenness, where it seems like there are no signs of life in sight. The cascade of voices that echo the sentiment that everything good in the neighborhood dies out doesn’t help. But I think the desert is where we are meant to discover the most beauty, because that is where the provisions mean the most. It is why so many of our neighbors have such strong faith, they have relied for a long time. Then I think about Elijah.
During a period of drought, Elijah had to go live in the wilderness. And everyday a raven brought him food. It must have been an okay experience because a few chapters later Jezebel scares Elijah and he immediately returns into the desert. He is allowed to rest and recover there for 40 days, again provided food. John the Baptist is said to have lived off of the wilderness, of locusts and wild honey with clothes of camel hair. These men understood that the desert is not a punishment, not a barren wasteland, or a place to fear. They understood that it is a place of provision, reliance, and a place that teems with life when you take the time to look for it. These are the same things that we get to experience at Love City.
It is the little, amazing moments that we get to share with our neighbors that exemplify the beauty of our community. Like the mother and daughter who came to buy boots a couple of weeks ago. They were so excited about the deals on the boots, and the daughter was telling us about how she was trying to become a sheriff’s deputy. Yesterday the mom stopped by to let us know that her daughter had been hired and was planning to wear the boots she got for her swearing in ceremony. It is these moments, the moments of talking to people about their grandkids in line at Porkland, of comforting people in their mourning at Merriment, or to have a laugh with a widow on our way into the house at night. Our community that may look like a desert from the outside, is in reality teeming with life. The more that we can get people to understand that beauty, the more they can seek to partner with us in helping to create that, and the more they can be inspired to seek out those moments in their own communities. The desert is beautiful, and we get to experience that beauty as we help people learn to Love the Wilderness.
Ethan
Merriment!!!
Merriment is open for business Thursday and Friday 11am-6pm and Saturday from 11am-4pm. Donations can be dropped off Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am-4pm. If you have any questions or to confirm a drop off time please call (502) 901-1105. We hope to see you soon!!
Open Enrollment!!!
Mighty Oak has opened our enrollment for the year. If you or someone you know has a student in grades K-9 you can apply now. Remember, applicants must live in the Portland. All grade levels of students will be evaluated but there will not be space for every student that applies. APPLY NOW!!!
Fish Fry OPEN!!!
Stop by the Fish Fry to grab lunch, or bring the family for dinner. Churched Up Tots or a Fried Fish Sandwich. However you do it, We’d love to see you!!!
If you are interested in volunteering or to find out more information about supplies needed please email: info@lovecityinc.org or call (502) 272-078.