I believe all people are created by love for love and possess unique giftedness that should be contributed to the work of co-creating a just world for all people and for all of creation. As a follower of the Way of Jesus, I’ve dedicated my life to making God’s realm more real on earth.
Over the course of my journey these efforts have taken many forms, including serving local churches, providing healthcare to underserved populations, and leading faith-based non-profit organizations to care for those on the margins while addressing the systemic issues that lead to and/or create structures that uphold marginalization.
The Day I Was Attacked
Trigger warning: violence
This past Monday (October 10) started as most of my weeks do: I was looking forward to connecting with a wide variety of people, participating in a number of meetings, and accomplishing several items on my professional “to do” list.
Just before 1:00pm, a young man I didn’t recognize appeared in my office at the White Rock Center of Hope intent on assaulting me. His violent act left me with significant physical injuries to my face and chest. (I’ve chosen to share only in general terms about my physical injuries since the specifics are relevant only to me and those providing medical care. Additionally, my faith compels me to lead a life of non-violence.)
Several members of my staff along with a number of volunteers came to my aid, called 911, and drove me to a nearby hospital. I was later transported by ambulance to a trauma center for further evaluation and treatment. By the end of what felt like a very long day, my wife drove me home so that I could continue my recovery.
A Week at Home
Those that know me well, know that I rarely unplug or truly disconnect from ministry. I tend to be engaged on some level for most of my waking hours.
Once home, I quickly realized that my body would only allow me to work in short bursts and that I needed to be intentional about how best to use that limited energy. And, I was reminded – both subtly and directly – of the need to care for myself in order to once again be in a place to more fully care for others.
I am grateful for the many people who extended care and concern, lifted prayers, and sent sweets and flowers. I have now read and been strengthened by each of the messages. And, I am thankful for the many ways White Rock Center of Hope staff, volunteers, and board members stepped in and stepped up in my absence both to care for one another and to ensure the ministry of providing hope with love was not interrupted.
Surrounded by Hope
I am blessed to be surrounded by hope. I serve a community of Hope known as the White Rock Center of Hope. I belong to a congregation of Hope called Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ.
People of hope were the ones to transport me to the hospital and to stay at my bedside, the first to come to my home to check on me, and have remained fervent in prayer.
After spending a week at home, the first place I went was to Cathedral of Hope for worship on Sunday. The second place I’ll go is to White Rock Center of Hope to carry on the effort of providing hope with love on Monday (one week after being attacked).
So What?
I may never know the full story of why someone sought to harm me. Frankly, I don’t need those data points in order to move forward.
I am continuing to heal, and trust that with more time and care, I’ll make a full recovery.
This experience has taught and is teaching me much, including lessons you may find helpful:
- Hope matters. I’m in the business of hope because I’m a person of hope. Hope is transformative. Hope reminds us that our present situation is not final. And, hope connects us to the bigger story of our faith, reminding us of God’s ultimate plan for us and for all of creation.
- Every day is precious. Each of us lives one day at a time. By living in the present with the courage and boldness to say and do what I am called to each day, I am treating each day as precious by living fully and faithfully. Unexpected trauma serves as a reminder that our days a limited.
- Safety is smart. The work of providing hope with love is highly relational and therefore necessarily includes significant interpersonal interaction. With the help of safety and security experts, White Rock Center of Hope has identified a number of ways to improve the safety and increase the security for the benefit of all stakeholders. If you’d like to learn more or contribute, please check out the Safekeeping Fund.
