12 November 2009

Shane continues to open my eyes...




Still reading "The Irresistible Revolution" by Shane Claiborne. When I started, the thing that bothered me most was his stance on warfare, which he calls redemptive violence. But I find myself squirming uncomfortably as I read and thinking about it all from a new viewpoint. I think we all need to read this book just to awaken us to the rut we're probably in. (We may be in different ruts, but we all land in one eventually.) Here's a quote from a later part of the book:

When we have new eyes, we can look into the eyes of those we don't even like and see the One we love. We can see God's image in everyone we encounter. As Henri Nouwen puts it, "In the face of the oppressed I recognize my own face, and in the hands of the oppressor I recognize my own hands. Their flesh is my flesh, their blood is my blood, their pain is my pain, their smile is my smile." We are made of the same dust. We cry the same tears. No one is beyond redemption. And we are free to imagine a revolution that sets both the oppressed and the oppressors free.

Shane Claiborne-The Irresistible Revolution

5 comments:

  1. I hear you. I felt the same way upon reading those words. It truly is so simple, so pure, so "hands on" and Shane and The Simple Way (I think that's what they call their body in Philadelphia) speak so many truths. The whole clothing industry and the abuse of young workers all over the world makes me want to make MY own clothes and shoes like he does. A very wise man once said, "If you see the majority of "Christians" going one way, it's probably a good idea to go the other way." Shane's words don't fall upon receptive ears a good bit of the time, I fear.

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  2. My sons are attempting to "go the other way", as you say. It's hard swimming against the Christian cultural current and follow Jesus in a different way. I pray they don't lose heart and just float along because it's easier. I also pray that Jesus will show ME the changes I have to make in my life. =0)

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  3. I'm with you. I want to get quiet and alone a bit more often, to listen for instruction.

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  4. Lisa,

    I just discovered you and your blog from the comment section of Coffee Tea Books and Me. I enjoy your short and very interesting posts. I just started this blogging adventure after reading other people's blogs for almost two years. What a joy it is to find YOU! God is always good to bring us to like-minded sisters in Christ. With delight I've added you to my favorites. I write my blog partly as a connection with mentors and prayer partners of a ministry I helped co-found called One by One Ministries. Many of our volunteers aren't into the blog world yet, so it is fun to introduce them to folks like you and Brenda. I am very, very careful in giving my recommendation. What a blessing it is to find you. May the Lord continue to give you insight on your journey. We do indeed worship an awesome Creator and Savior.
    Because of Jesus,
    Linda Hibner
    www.gracefullives.blogspot.com

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  5. Glad to have you here, Linda! I mostly talk to myself, LOL, but Pom-Pom is kind enough to visit now and then! =0) I'd love to visit your blog, too!

    Shalom!

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