Recently someone asked me what kind of protection I have in our neighborhood, implying that I need protection from the poor; that just by being poor they are also dangerous.  I looked at her and said, “My protection is my neighbors.”  Her look of surprise and confusion told me I needed to explain.  My neighborhood is not all criminals and drug abusers.  That is what outsiders see and focus on.  But I have been blessed with my neighbors, who give to me as much or more than I give to them.  Across the street are our block grandparents.  Grandpa watches everything going on from his lawn chair.  A few months ago he told me with seriousness that he stopped some kids who were trying to steal the coconuts from our yard.  He then proceeded to ask if he could have one!  Dorris* is an example of strength and perseverance as she keeps going with half of one leg amputated, diabetes, and serious heart problems.  She took me out for Cuban food a few weeks ago and is always telling me that if I need anything she’s there.  The Haitian family across the street have some of the sweetest kids I’ve ever met.  Whenever they see me, I get big smiles and hugs.  Last night the mother sent her daughter over with hot food for us.  Dollar may be known to many as the homeless, block drunk, but to us he is a friend.  He is a man striving to keep the dignity that demands work for money and keep. 

So maybe when people are asking about our successes in the neighborhood that should be measured by how much I am learning from my neighbors and growing.  God placing us here in the West Grove at this time is not just about the change we are bringing, but about us being transformed ourselves.  To think otherwise would be arrogant.

Jean Vanier says, “In our mad world where there is so much pain, rivalry, hatred, violence, inequality, and oppression, it is people who are weak, rejected, marginalized, counted as useless, who can become a source of life and of salvation for us as individuals as well as for our world.  And it is my hope that each one of you may experience the incredible gift of friendship of people who are poor and weak, that you too may receive life from them.  For they call us to love, to communion, to compassion, and to community.”

*names have been changed for the privacy of our neighbors

Posted on January 8th, 2009 by Laurie Cook
Filed under: Community Development, News