Kinship

 Today, it's the Homeboy book again, and that is a word that Father Greg uses often...kinship. 

 "Inching ourselves closer to creating a community such that God might recognize it.  Soon, we imagine with God, this circle of compassion. Then we imagine no one standing outside the circle, moving ourselves closer to the margins so that the margins themselves will be erased.  We stand with those whose dignity as been denied.  We locate ourselves with the poor, the powerless and the voiceless. We join the easily despised and the readily left out.  We stand with the demonized so that the demonizing will stop.  We situate ourselves right next to the disposable so that the day will come when we stop throwing people away.  Kinship is what God presses us on to...always hopeful that the day will come."  

Why today?  I continue to try to figure out how to bridge the divide in our country and the way that I can personally make a difference is to minister to those that are 'invisible, voiceless, erased, denied.  You get it.  "We can through our kindness, tenderness and focused love can return folks to themselves."  This is no easy task!  Much stands in the way of liberation...a removal of shame and disgrace.  I know, I experienced this myself and it was those that yes, sat with me and removed the shame and disgrace and replaced it with tender love that allowed me the first glimpses that I might have some value.   (Psalm 139)

If you have not read Father Greg's books, for an understanding of what our worlds badly needs now, go ahead... purchase them, read them, weep and laugh.  Greg puts a spin on caring for the marginalized like no one I know.  He will motivate you do find where in your world you can reach out and help that one that needs you. It will surely give you peace and purpose!!