Justice in Dallas/suburban Dallas

I’ve been working my way through this great book, Justice in the Burbs, by Will & Lisa Samson. It’s really helping me through a lot of thoughts when it comes to how people who live away from downtown can deal with justice issues, especially since in a city like Dallas the phrase “injustice” automatically draws your mind to a place most families are not going to voluntarily move with their kids. That, actually, is a discussion I would like to have but will save for another day. The reason I wanted to post about my progress in this book is an article from the Dallas Morning News.

Interesting, isn’t it? Here’s the link to the entire story. Perhaps my favorite phrase from the story:

“when it comes to providing needy people with fresh vegetables, the tiny Episcopal Church of Our Saviour puts the big churches in the shade”

How simple and creative? Talk about brilliant and humble at the same time, bringing the Kingdom of God to life in a tangible way that doesn’t take big budgets, light shows, stages, or even staff. Here are people who understand what it means to follow Jesus straight to the reconciliation of all of Creation to the Marvelous Creator.

“A recent Tuesday morning found a dozen people of various ages and ethnicities, some church members and some not, working in the 55-by-100-foot garden. They harvested squash, eggplant, Swiss chard, onions and carrots.”

Everyone working together. Not everyone can be on the front lines doing face to face contact with the victims of injustice. Some people need to grow vegetables.

Light reading

So, my schoolwork at George Fox Evangelical Seminary ended this week. I stayed up until 3 a.m. Wednesday working on a few major projects that were due by midnight tonight. We have one summer class, Essentials of Christian Theology, which should be good times. However, it doesn’t start until May 5th so I have days and days of free time to read at my leisure. Last night I picked up this and got about halfway through it:

Sir Charles’ work is a fascinating read. He seems like a very down to earth person, and his opinions about the world and how it should work are spot on. Though laced with profanities, his thoughts on topics like racism and celebrity are refreshing. One might say that elements of Truth are all throughout his thoughts. It’s good stuff.

Hopefully I’ll finish the book today, so I’ll need something else light to run down before the 5th. Anyone got suggestions?