Thoughts on community and Slam Poetry

The YLI interns had their ministry day with Jeff Nelson on Friday. We went over to his church, Redford Aldersgate United Methodist Church, and had a bit of a silent retreat. It was great to hear Jeff's heart a bit, but I'll get to that later. During this silent retreat, we went off for 20 minutes at a time, and really just let the Lord speak to us. He spoke to me about the summer, and how I want to take action on certain things when I go back to CMU. The Lord has taught me so much about loving others, whether they are so called lepers, the untouchables. I've learned to really reach out and love them for who they are. Hear their story, see their hearts and really just let God show Himself through the people I have come into contact with this summer. I know I am so much more of a patient person, but I also realize how important community is.

I'm not going to lie. Our house really did not have a great community. But it was because people didn't try. There was a sense of contentment, and it was more than frustrating at times. It really put things into perspective for me though; I was able to see how physical and spiritual contentment can hold people back from progressing any. I don't regret anything that happened this summer, truly. I don't regret anything that I learn from. But I do wish there were things we as a house did differently. Like pray more as a group. Besides dinner. And have a servant's heart as a group. But that all comes with personal commitment I think. I know I've said it a lot, but intentional community is so much different than community itself. Community I think just happens, but intentional community is just what it states. When intentions are present. And so, to the future YLI interns: I cannot stress enough how important being intentional is in an intentional community. Don't just view this summer program as a summer job, but rather view it as a learning experience. It is intended as a way for the Body of Christ to work together with one another, learn how we can serve as a unit and live with God's guidance. But none of this can happen unless 1. First and foremost, you let God be present in the house at all times (accept nothing less!), and 2. Only apply for this if you WANT to be there. Trust me when I say it will make living in the house with 5 other people so much less frustrating.

Oh boy, that was a bit of a tangent, but I think it is truthful. And not truth as in honest, but truth as in what Jesus would line up with.


In other news, Jeff invited us to 1515 Broadway, a place downtown where he does Slam Poetry with Echoverse. It was a really cool experience. I heard one of his poems a few weeks ago at Central UMC in downtown Detroit, but the stuff he shared Friday night was intense. He shared a very touching piece about his mother. As he was reading, I placed myself in the poem and was truly taken back at how beautiful this man could put a simple situation into the most ravishing words ever. By the end, I found myself crying as if this woman he wrote about was my best friend; even though I have never met his mother before.

When I originally got there, I saw my pastor from Brighton First United Methodist Church, which is my home church, along with another couple I knew. It was really great to fellowship with some people from home and update them on what God is doing in my life.

Well, thats all I have for my update today. Expect a big week coming up. Tuesday is primary elections in Detroit, and the church I work at is where a voting booth is. So we have to relocate 30 kids all day. Expect stories... or cries for help!

Until then....