Relational Integration

A friend of mine recently responded to my Facebook post by sharing the lyrics of a 1967 song from the group, The Youngbloods.  “Come on people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together, try to love one another…”  While “peace and love” was the cry of that era, sadly violence and bloodshed were often the result of the agitation that existed.  But that’s another story for another day.

If you should ask of anyone who knows me, “What is Jim’s heart inclined toward?” they will probably respond, “Relationship!”  It’s true!  Many years ago I received a type of revelation; the kind that isn’t simply dropped into your mind, but rather, registers deep within your spirit.  Being an avid reader of the Holy Scriptures, I found that this concept was the TRUE foundation of the Bible; not a path of religion but a journey of relationship.  The heart of the teachings of Jesus became alive, but so did a deep agitation at how the world has distorted these truths.

I know!  Some would say, “Duhhhhh”.  But even those folks probably still don’t grasp the real nature of relationship.  I’ve had people tell me, “Not everybody is going to like you.  In fact, most people probably don’t want a relationship with you.”  But that thought springs from a rather superficial approach to relationship, thinking of it primarily in terms of social encounters or a sharing of common interests.  We often fail to see that the real power of relationship has less to do with “liking” someone, and everything to do with the concept of “Integration”!

One of the definitions of integration is “The act or process of making whole or entire.” (thank-you Wiktionary).  I’m intrigued by that notion, since the implication is that without this condition something essential is lacking.  But to truly understand the power of integration I think that we need to consider what that wholeness or entirety really looks like.  I’ve worked with groups who lay claim to the concept of integration, but seemingly fail to accept that the “whole” that they are striving for may be bigger than just themselves; businesses who focus on their own posture ahead of integrating with a larger effort of growing into a whole and healthy community; mission agencies who voice a desire to partner but do so only as it serves their own mission;  individuals who see their own daily quest as satisfying their personal needs rather than those of a neighbor.

 You see, I believe that the mystery to found in integration is that the pursuit of it must be focused on benefiting another, even ahead ourselves.  We have each been given something from God that another person desperately needs.  Our charge in life is to find out what that gift, talent or resource is, and then to direct it to that individual, without thought to how it might ultimately benefit ourselves.

Yes, I was greatly influenced by the radical nature of the 1960’s.  But I’m even more greatly influenced by the message that Jesus gave to us.  He spoke of the need to see ourselves as only a part of the greater whole, which ultimately becomes His Body on earth (and beyond).  “Come on people now, smile on your brother and sister…” and develop a desire to “one another”!

Being Above Doing...

I'm often asked what it is that we really hope to accomplish in our ministry to the impoverished people of McCreary County, Kentucky.  I think that the following excerpt from a recent letter to our financial supporters helps to clarify that point:

"As I walked into our Pine Knot ministry center, a few days back, I was greeted by the beaming face of one of our previous volunteer workers.  Haley had been a part of our team for a number of months, satisfying the community service hours that she needed in order to receive her KTAP (welfare) check for her two young children.  She left us to accept a full-time job offer and her departure was most bitter sweet for us; happy for her employment but sad to lose the opportunity for daily fellowship with her.  After a few minutes of catching up on her life experiences, I asked Haley why she chose to help us again this day.  She smiled and spoke of a desire to help “one another” her needful neighbors, but slowly her face became quite serious.  “Since I’ve left,” she nearly whispered, “I’ve missed the undeniable PEACE that I feel when I’m here.”

"When people first find themselves drawn to our center, they usually wander about the clothing shop, perusing the items but also absorbing the environment.  Many times, upon discerning our pastoral influence, they will ask me, “So where’s your church?”  I smile, draw my hand across those who are walking between the clothing racks and respond, “There they are!”  At first glance folks don’t see “a church” when they come to one of our ministry centers.  There is no vestibule or foyer to mingle in before a “service”; no swinging doors leading to an assembly room; no benches or chairs lined up to face a central point on an elevated platform.  It isn’t until visitors begin to interact with our staff and other visitors that they begin to “feel church”.  They hear conversations, not of local gossip but of recognition of the Love of God in our lives.  The look of concern which their faces often carry begins to relax into a gentle smile.  As people are drawn into sharing some of their personal struggles, they find a compassionate and concerned response, not indifference, or worse, judgement.  I’m often amazed that people can linger in our clothing centers for an hour or more, not because they are unable to find a needed item, but because they simply experience a sense of “peace” that so often alludes them through their day.

"Your financial gift continues to help us to “be church” among some very needy people.  Our gatherings are not based on a prescribed liturgy or an order of worship.  They are spontaneous encounters with people who are desperate to know the Peace of Christ, even if they haven’t realized that need yet!

"Thanking you for helping us to “grow” people into Church…"