Dec 28, 2004

I'll be Home for Christmas...

Ok, so I realize it has almost been a whole month since I've written, and that is just ridiculous. My apologies to all. I flew back to NYC from Houston last night, and to save time and brain cells I'm just going to transpose what I journaled in transit:

I'm waiting at my gate for my flight "home" to NYC after a great day of sleeping late, playing catch w/ my dad and seeing The Polar Express w/ the fam. It's both good and difficult to leave on such a high note and there were definitely some tears shed. It's hard to go back--but not too hard. There is still work to be done, lives to touch and people to pray for. One day, maybe in a few months, a year, or even several years, it will be too hard to go back--and that's when I'll know my work is finished in NYC. But for now it's ok to cry a few tears for the nostalgia of a path I am not to take at this present moment.

I feel like my emotions were at hypersensitive levels this weekend, probably due to my intentional efforts in savoring every moment. Even the Christmas Eve service at Grace made me tear up. I think because Christmas really has a whole new meaning for me this year. I guess being in such a dark spiritually devoid place makes the existence of a "light of the world" that much more dear. It's funny how things are so much more prominent to our eyes when they are side by side with their complete contrast. Like last night, I didn't pay much notice to the full moon when it had already made an appearance in the late afternoon. But hours later I could not help but gaze as it broke through the deep black of the night--a "hole in the sky" as Uncle Jim would describe it.

So what I'm getting at is that I think the Lord functions in the same way. Against the hustle and bustle and routine of the middle class suburban lifestyle the concept of needing a savior becomes a bit blurred. Of course, it's in the literature at local Christian bookstores and in the words of the pastors on Sunday mornings and even on the radio or highway billboards. But then this mysterious phenomenon happens. When you actually go looking for it--this alleged "need for a savior" that everyone is speaking and writing of--it's nowhere to be found, at least in it's purest rawest form. And that is why I think the face of our Savior is so visible in the inner city, among the poorest and most helpless. They understand real need and are thus unafraid to kneel before a God they have never seen nor studied.

Dec 5, 2004

A "Rotic" Weekend

It's Sunday night, and I am feeling completely refreshed by my weekend of no obligations. Friday I bought myself a slice of pizza on the way home from work, did some laundry, ate a considerable amount of cookies and went to bed early...some may call that "lame." I call it perfect. Yesterday I went for a late morning run sporting my Texas A&M sweatshirt (secretly I'm hoping for the day someone whoops or honks the war hymn as I run by). Then I ran some errands and satisfied my craving for Chinese dumplings ( www.dumplingman.com ) which I devoured while watching a riveting episode "Soul Train" (gimmee a break, I only get about 10 channels and 5 aren't in english).

However, my favorite part of the day was discovering Southstreet Seaport. It's a street on the south tip of Manhattan that has a bunch of shops leading to the peer, and right now it's decorated for the holidays and there was Christmas music playing and cobblestone streets--for those few hours Iforgot that I was in New York City. It felt like I was in one of those old Christmas movies strolling through some quaint small town...a very rotic evening indeed. A girl I worked with at camp one summer said that she made up the word "rotic" because it was "romantic" without the "man"...and I find the word incredibly suiting for this particular occasion.

My day ended with a pleasant browse through the shelves at Barnes & Noble. Something about that place always brings a certain calm to my soul. I actually worked there the summer before college and during my Christmas breaks and have always said it was one of my favorite jobs. The distinctive new-book smell consistent with every store always makes it feel like home. Speaking of B&N, I developed a theory in recent months that if someone does not know what he wants to major in/do with his life, etc. he should go to Barnes & Noble and figure out what section he always naturally gravitates toward. For example, the "social sciences" and "African American" sections were always my favorite....long before I ever decided to major in Sociology, or even knew what it was for that matter. I, for one, think the theory is quite brilliant and practically flawless...there's a section for everyone. You're interested in Alchemy? Let me direct you to the New Age section. Women's Health? Science and Nature? Comedy? Folks, all I'm saying is that if you are looking for your place in this world, listening to the old Michael W. Smith song will only get you so far. You need look no further than your neighborhood Barnes & Noble bookstore!!

Today I did a whole lot of nothing: talked to Mom for a few hours, finished my book (Nickel and Dimed...a must read), spent way too much on grocieries, went to church and went to my friend Rachel's to meet her new French bulldog, Alfalfa. It was nice to have girl hangout time...I don't feel like I get enough of it here. There's always more to write, but there's also this thing tomorrow called work which is looming over my head at the moment and beckoning me to please get some sleep. So, I will get up and work my little heart out this week knowing that on Friday I'm headed for Texas sweet Texas!! On that note--g'night y'all.

Nov 28, 2004

A Life Worth Living

A question people always seem to like asking is, "So, how long do you think you'll be in New York?" My answer: until I hear otherwise. I've realized how important it is to approach life as an investment. My parents, out of genuine concern for their daughter, like to remind me that if I discover I really don't like my job to just remember that it doesn't have to be long-term, and I do have the freedom to quit. But what's there to learn when we spend our whole lives running everytime we encounter a situation that's uncomfortable and new and makes us need something bigger than ourselves? I'll admit it's easy to live in this city with a very short-term mentality. For most, New York is their pilgrimage to Mecca....a necessary stop on the path to greatness. But what I know about myself is that I desire to make an impact and be changed in the process, to go throught the thick, thin, good, bad, and ugly of a situation and learn from it all.

My pastor in College Station always used to say that only two things in this world will last forever: the word of God and the souls of men. Such a simple truth challenges me every day of my life. The fact is I am absolutely confident that God's divine leading brought me to this city. And now it is my job to rise to the challenge and invest my every resource into what He has placed before me: co-workers, roomates, clients, church and always my relationship with Him.

Maybe our relentless questioning of the Lord's will--where we are to be and what we are to do--is really a selfish plea. Maybe we just get scared that we'll actually have to face the challenges of the present before God can allow us to move on. Maybe we will have to love people who are annoying or hurtful or completely misunderstand us--love them for everything that we aren't. Maybe we'll be forced to admit our own weakness, our own nauseating sin. And after that maybe we'll understand the beauty of relationship and learn to trust people more because really we're not that much different. And maybe at the peak of our humility we will no longer be questioning the Lord's will....we'll realize we're living it. And perhaps then He will see us fit for the higher places.

"Now it is required that those who have been given a trust prove faithful." - 1 Cor. 4:2

"The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights." - Habakkuk 3:19

Nov 20, 2004

Rainy Day Ramblings

Today I did two very socially responsible things (both involving my new checking account): 1) I ordered checks made on recycled paper and a portion of my money goes to some kind of wildlife fund 2) I signed up for a program where I earn points with my debit card and they'll donate money to my school of choice....so, of course I had to represent for Bryan, Texas and support Jane Long Middle school. And, being the high-roller social worker that I am, I'm sure to accrue enough points to award them a new spiral notebook....and maybe even a couple glue sticks (only if the Christmas bonus comes through). But hey, it's the thought that counts right?

So, enough about me saving the world. I've discovered this blog thing is hard to keep up with. It's a lot of pressure to come up with creative material on a daily, or even weekly basis. However, my dear friend Julie Whitaker rises to the challenge with mad skill and never ceases to add a good dose of humor, insight and creativity to my week. Experience the excitement at www.julesdwit.com And, speaking of the lovely Julie, she's coming to see me in NYC next week!!! As you can see, I can barely contain myself. So Jules (since I know you're a computer nerd and will read this within 5 minutes of it being posted) get those walkin' shoes ready!

Living here has made me realize things about myself that I would have never expected. As it turns out, I am both uptight and judgmental....who knew? Once upon a time I thought I was a pretty laid back individual--until I moved in with my cousin Kari. I am convinced that nothing phases her, from stolen wallets to messy rooms to running late to high prices, the girl is invincible. Next to her I am an uptight anal retentive neat freak....and I have to admit it's very humbling being forced to see myself in such a light. So, thank you Kari for teaching me what it really means to roll with the punches. Secondly, I really had myself convinced that I was open-minded until I started my job. Sometimes I want to scream at people and tell them how illogical and ignorant and selfish they're being. And then I catch myself and realize that, in having those thoughts, something in me really thinks I'm better...that I've made better decisions, or used my time more wisely or whatever the case may be. No matter how hard I try to justify my reactions the fact remains that I am an arrogant individual--not exactly something I want to shout from the rooftop.

I'll never forget a verse I came across in a Bible study by Dwight Edwards a few years back:
"In whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things." (Romans 2:1) The point Dwight makes is that "from God's viewpoint, whenever we judge a sin in someone else's life, there's sure to be a similar kind of sin in ours if we look hard enough." The fact is, we must reach a place where we are able to learn something from every single person that crosses our path.....the drug users, the uneducated and all the social misfits society has to offer. As the verse alludes to, we may very well see reflections of ourselves in these individuals. And, as irony would have it, I am humbled in my own arrogance.

Nov 6, 2004

On Relevance

Today I had a cry...not a fake cry or a few tears, but a real cry. It was what I like to call an "I hate New York" day. I swear, sometimes I think I'm living in a freakin' foreign country with the lack of efficiency I encounter on a daily basis. (Now, to all my international friends out there, I am not degrading other countries. Efficiency's value is clearly subjective, but as an American I have come to embrace it as a beautiful thing.) I went to three different places today just trying to exchange some rolls of coins for bills, but to no avail. And of course the drug store doesn't even have a photo lab so your pictures have to be sent off and returned a week later. Not to mention that my local grocery store seems to be contstantly in the restocking process with piles of cardboard boxes taking up half of the already-crowded isles. And apparently using a credit card to purchase your groceries is a huge deal as the cashier yells out "tarjeta" and the guy manning the store's one and only credit card machine comes running as my total bill is being yelled across the store in spanish. So yeah, it's possible to experience culture shock in your own country....

Which brings me to my relatively new life as a social worker in the Bronx. I've always prided myself on the fact that I'm pretty non-judgmental and have a knack for making friends easily. But really it's not that hard when everyone around you is from basically the same background. You know I've been praying a lot for humility lately. I still can't quite wrap my mind around the fact that Jesus knew he was the savior of the entire world, that he was one with God and yet he lived in perfect humility, always treating others as better than himself. I don't get it. Two weeks at work has already challenged my perspective on so many levels. Between my co-workers and clients I am daily encountering people I have little to nothing in common with on so many levels (race, morality and politics to name a few). For one of the first times in my life I'm struggling with knowing how to love people. What do I have to offer to a gay black man with HIV? Or to a culture that feeds the cycle of unwed motherhood? I feel helpless most days.....which is exactly what God had in mind when I prayed for humility. These people need the love of Christ, but I'm just not sure how to give it to them. I'm reminded of an article by Sean Groves that I read in Relevant Magazine a few months ago:

"The modernists were right on one account...we do need to be relevant. Relevance is literally having importance or making a connection. And anything done in love--even if by the staunchest traditionalist--does just that. An invitation is always relevant to the lonely. Hope is always relevant to the depressed. A hot meal is relevant to the hungry. A free baby-sitter is relevant to a single mother needing a break. An hour is relevant to kids who can't read. A vote is relevant to the poor and oppressed. Love can make anyone--or any church--relevant."
Maybe the solution isn't as complicated as I think. Mend the surface and the real Healer will do His work.

Nov 2, 2004

Quick Update...and more to come

Ok, I wish I had all kinds of time to write, but seeing as I have now entered into that mysterious entity called "the workforce" I actually have a bedtime (which was about 2 hours ago). I just wanted to let everyone know that first days of work are generally overwhelming, as I experienced last week. Thanks to everyone who gave me a call or e-mailed to make sure things were ok. They are definitely much better, and I really think I'm going to be challenged and stretched in this job....but in a good way. I couldn't have asked for a more suiting first job, and for that I give nothing but praise to the Lord. I've had all kinds of good stuff floating around this brain of mine, but you'll just have to keep you in suspense for now (I mean, that is a trademark of all famous authors). Sleep calls.....but stay tuned for some funky fresh material comin' your way.

Oct 25, 2004

Monday Blues

Starting a new job and that female time of the month on the same day probably isn't the best of combinations. Not that work was horrible, but it definitely made me question what exactly I'm getting myself into. I don't know what made me think that working for a government-funded program would give me all kinds of freedom to save the world. Just based on what I observed today half the time is spent actually providing some kind of direct service and the other half is spent writing down every single move you made that day. I don't know, maybe I completely missed the boat on this one...or maybe I should just suck it up and not be afraid of a challenge. The reality is that it's only been one day, and at this point my exhaustion is entirely dominating my outlook.

Oct 21, 2004

Date Night

I always seem to come home really excited about writing, and the second I sit down to do so sleep hits full force. In other words, I apoligize to all my beloved fans out there for failing to create coherent sentences. Today was a big day, huge in fact. Red Sox are going to the world series, I was officially offered a job, and I went on my first date in New York City. Life certainly doesn't come in small doses around these parts.

Let's start with the date since it's fresh on my mind. I went out with an aggie from Hereford, TX. Don't worry, it gets better...he goes by "Slim." So, in traditional Texas style we ate Mexican food, went to a Robert Earl Keen concert and finished up the night at a bar called Coyote Ugly. Seriously, who am I? But I can't lie. Aside from not having a taste for beer or knowing a full chorus to any REK song, I had a pretty good time. Unfortunately I have to be all "deep and spiritual" when it comes to this dating stuff so a good time doesn't hold much weight against the more important issues of God, faith, and our place in this world. What I want is someone who desires to please the Lord more than anything. And at this rate it looks like I may die an old maid. I have a feeling this topic will show it's face in plenty of other entries, so if this leaves you begging for more, don't despair.

About the Red Sox's big win....I'm pumped! I have to be careful where I say that around here though. It's just that my whole life I've had a soft spot for the underdog--I can't help myself. Boston, it's been a fun ride, but if my Astros make it to the big time, well....you'll be yesterday's news.

And finally......I have my first real job and I start on Monday!! Tomorrow I'm paying them 25 bucks to do a criminal background check. Is something wrong with this picture? I know I'm new at this whole job gig and all....but shouldn't I be the one getting paid? At any rate, it feels good to be employed. I have no idea what to expect. Texas girl meets the south Bronx--should be a must-see this holiday season. But until then I'll be savoring my precious last days of freedom.

For those interested, here is my new employer: www.cabny.org

Oct 16, 2004

Casual Sex and the City

So I think tonight I was officially introduced to what us Christians call "the world." The other week I ran into a friend on the subway who used to work with me in Bryan, TX (of all places). Tonight I met up with her and some friends at this bar, and it was one of the girls' 30th birthday. Anyways, we were all sitting at the booth having some girl hangout time when I suddenly found myself on an episode of Sex and the City. Now granted I've never seen the show, but I can pretty well guess what a conversation between those characters sounds like. Birthday girl is going on about her long slew of ex-boyfriends, not forgetting important details like male anatomy measurements and how perplexed she is about whether or not to keep the old boyfriend around as a "casual sex thing on the side."
Needless to say, my opinion on such matters was never asked for, and so I sat quietly, secretly relishing this unofficial initiation to The City.

Oct 6, 2004

Real People

I love that I can go to a Bible study in my new home of NYC and a)be outnumbered by guys, b)when asked the question, "What's your favorite type of music?" hear answers ranging from electronica to Cuban Jazz to Brazilian to Stevie Wonder to oldies and c)be asked if anyone wants to grab a beer afterward. Yes indeed....New York is everything I had hoped for and more.

I don't know if anyone would describe New York City as a "breath of fresh air" in the real sense of the term, but that's exactly what it has been for me these first 3 and a half weeks. My faith feels more alive than it has been for about 2 years. I find myself praying out loud as I walk to the subway, feeling a deep sorrow everytime I come across a homeless person trying to keep warm for the night, and being eager to share my beliefs with people because it is such a strange message to their ears. I guess to sum up the experience, my sense of purpose is so much stronger here. As humans we want to be different and know that we actually have something to offer society. But that longing is severely handicapped in an environment where everyone is the same (or tries to be anyways) and something as simple as a nose piercing is synonymous with non-conformity.

In this city I have encountered what I've been starving for...real people. People who aren't afraid to cuss you out on the street or ask a complete stranger about politics or break dance on the subway or freely admit in a Bible study that 90% of the time they are thinking of anything but their relationship with God. And it is in that messiness of reality where God's face become that much more vivid.