Ordinary Radicals.

On Monday I got to hear Shane Claiborne speak . He truly takes what Gandhi said and does it "Live simply, so others may simply live."
If you have never heard of Shane , you should check out what his life is all about at The Simple Way

He writes in his book "The Irresistible Revolution: Living as Ordinary Radicals", that when we talk of materialism and simplicity we must always begin with love for God and our neighbor, otherwise we are operating out of legalistic, guilt-ridden self-righteousness. Our simplicity is not an ascetic denunciation of material things to attain personal piety, for if we sell all we have and give it to the poor, but have not love, it is meaningless ( 1 Corinthians 13:3)
Simplicity is meaningful only inasmuch as it is grounded in love, authentic relationships, and interdependence. Redistribution then springs naturally out of family that is larger than biology or nationalism. So ,it is important to understand that redistribution comes from community, not before community. Redistribution is not a prescription for community. Redistribution is a description of what happens when people fall in love with each other across class lines.

As Shane spoke, I thought of many of the "ordinary radicals" that I know seeking justice and love around the world. I have friends currently living in Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Mexico,India & Europe. Yet, I couldn't help but think of one of my closest friends, Sarah. I have known Sarah since our freshmen year at Bethel. Over the 6 + years of our friendship I have been continually struck by the ways she loves people. I have had the privilege of living in community with Sarah this year and I am truly inspired by the ways in which she lives her life. She has the ability to form relationships with so many different types of people. She is a woman filled with confidence and vision. Currently she has been applying/interviewing for different international organizations. It will be a transition not being able to live with her next year, but I know that whatever it is that she does she will do it with her entire being.

Last night we went to a Native American coffee cafe with our neighbors. Sherry & Sarah had their "debut" singing Karoke together.



Sarah, thanks for sharing your life with SO many people.