Skip to main content

The Homeless Speak Straightforward

Image
By
Dear friend,                                              The Homeless Speak Straightforward
    
“I think you are right, we need to drop humanitarian aid to convince them to talk but we have to keep bombing them too,” retorted an outspoken fellow in the Chicago “Men’s Homeless Shelter” He said this in response to my reflections on dealing with Isis nonviolently.

I showed them this photo to bring home the reality of bombing. It is so easy to forget how a bomb affects the people.  

Another man ask “But what can we do right here now?”  I responded, “That is a very good question. One thing we can do is pray. I believe there is a lot more power in prayer than I or probably anyone here realizes.”

Another added, “the military Industrial congressional complex” is such a big monster; how do we ever deal with them? About all I know to do is to pray.” “I guess you are right,” I responded. ”You know some problems like this are so huge it is hard to have hope. We have to ask God what we should do. You might think I am crazy but I believe justice and peace is coming.” 

“Many of you are black. Your ancestors were slaves. Things have changed. You are not slaves today. In the early 1800’s when people began to work for freedom for the slaves I imagine people said ‘Slavery is such a big problem you’ll never change it.’  Things are not perfect and there is much that still needs to be done to bring justice, though it is much better than it used to be.  Things have and are changing. We have to think of the long haul. We each have to do our part to fill the justice bucket to bring peace.”

 I suppose many think I am crazy. But I believe God is stronger than bombs and guns. In the end God will win. And what is so great about it, God wants us to help. What a privilege to be partnering with God in such a noble task. God is wonderful. God is good.

Another added, “Our news media has duped us into believing Muslims are all bad. I don’t believe that. They are humans just like us.”

Another guy with others asked “Why did you come here?” I said, I came here to give you hope.  What do you think? Have I given you any hope? Many responded in numerous ways. You sure have! I sensed the same as many made a special effort to thank me and shake my hand when I left.

The guys surprised me with their honesty, straightforwardness, and knowledge in their remarks and questions. I felt it was one of the best audiences I have ever had. One fellow who was half drunk just about derailed the discourse until he was ushered out.

By the time you get this I will be on a trip starting in LA, then north through California and Oregon doing talks with discussions on dealing with Isis nonviolently. It will have started on 2/19 lasting about a month, ending with a weekend with our daughter Emily’s family in Washington. I really look forward to the time with them.
                                                                                                                       
Pray that God would use this trip to show “the way”. Thanks so very much.                                                                                                                     

Shalom, Jim

PS. If you would like to join this peace efforts with a contribution, make check out to Jim Fitz, and sent to Jim Fitz 727 Reba Place, Evanston, IL 60202.  Any support is greatly appreciated.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hope in Iraq

By
Dear Friends, I have recently finished Peggy Gish’s book An Iraq Journey of Hope and Peace . It brought me to deep prayer at times, helping me to see US soldiers as human beings and breaking down some of my stereotypes of them. It also helped me experience the personal pain of Iraqis who are caught in the war as opposed to hearing statistics in the news. This was peacemaking taking place in my own heart and mind. Peggy’s honesty in sharing her own personal struggle and admitting her own mistakes is challenging to my own peacemaking. Another aspect of this book that was inspiring to me was that when CPTers in Iraq realized they were making a mistake in midst of sharing with Iraqis, they were able at times to change right then and there. This is clear evidence of the Spirit at work. It also gave me a sense of how God was able to use the seemingly small amount of people, just six or so, to make a significant difference for the good in this horrible situation. I am adding to this messag...
Post a Comment
Read more

An Incredible Prime Minister

By
           An Incredible Prime Minister     Dear Friends, a hopeful happening,                  Two years ago, Ethiopia was a basket case. The government seemed to be losing control The majority Oromo people were restive under a rule that seemed to rob them of their place. The traditionally powerful Amhara rioted. A state of emergency brought silence on the surface, but underneath the nation seethed. Civil war threatened. A foreigner was killed. Tourism waned. Finally, the prime minister resigned. The church prayed earnestly. Then, unexpectedly, eight months ago, the relatively unknown Abiy Ahmad was elected prime minister. What followed was equally unanticipated. In a bold, courageous acceptance speech; Ahmad announced a policy of peace, love and unity for the nation and its relationships with the rest of the world. He made sweeping promises and, to...
Post a Comment
Read more

An Army Visit

By
Dear Friend, “There must have been 40 or 50 soldiers from the Colombian Army who came through here. They accused Jorge, my son, of being an informer for the guerrillas. I was so scared. They took his picture and asked him a lot of accusing questions. I was afraid to let him go fishing like he often does. They were all around the house. I was afraid that if there was a confrontation with the guerrillas, bullets might hit any one of my children.” “They asked our first and last names and checked them, with lots of others from the community, against their list of supposed guerrilla sympathizers. We are not guerrilla sympathizers, but there is nothing we can do to convince them otherwise. They have guns, so I don’t argue with them. Someone must be singling us out. I was so scared that I called Pierre of CPT to let you all know about it. Then I was scared that they might be listening in on the call. Pierre said it is was ok and wondered why the army keeps using these fear and intimidation ta...
Post a Comment
Read more