Community Development

So I have been reading Compassion Justice and the Christian Life, by Robert Lupton, and it has been quite amazing to see someone discuss urban ministry on a larger scale than giving a hand out. He states "Doing for others what they can do for themselves is charity at its worst." He then discusses ideas of food pantries and clothing closets as examples of ways we attempt to help others but it is only "betterment" and doing for others what they can do for themselves. He discusses that sometimes ideas like clothing closets and food pantries are only partially half hearted efforts at attempting to offset societal problems. That we don't quite think hard enough or want to put a lot more effort in addressing the issue and develop a business like a thrift store or a food coop where money would cycle around in a neighborhood, and provide jobs and mentoring to the poor.

So there are a few of us here in New Orleans that are reading this book, and are conjuring up innovative ways to begin to address some of the social issues and bring justice to the poor.

It has been rough out here in New Orleans the past few weeks. I have been going through the whole home buying process and it is moving really slow, and a lot of ups and downs. I feel like I am walking in the dark and its raining, a new day is to come with the sun shining and a breeze will be in the air.