What's Wrong With The World Today?

“Let us forget for a day whatever we may think about the faults of others; and pray that we may not again wreck the hope of the world by faults of our own.” – G.K. Chesterton One of my favorite Chesterton anecdotes is his response to The Times, who sent an inquiry to a number of famous authors asking them: “What’s wrong with the world today?” Chesterton’s response was one only he could have penned: “Dear Sir, I am. Yours, G.K. Chesterton.” In our community meeting this past Sunday there was a discussion about what to do when another member is under the influence and staff is not around. Not everyone living at Hope Street has a history of substance use or addiction, and thoughts ranged from letting somebody sleep it off, to simply putting them out. What struck me most about the conversation was when it was brought up: "That could be me. I hope you love me then the same way you do now." This thought came from someone who understand that being under the influence is not safe for the rest of the community, and was more about how we go about treating each other when we slip, fall and stumble. The reality is we each do. Sometimes in less obvious ways than others, or, as Chesterton points out, we are (more often than not) the actual problem with the world today. How are we going to respond to others when their problems become obvious? Dear Father, thank you for walking alongside of us in our brokenness. For not only calling all of us who are "weary and heavy laden" so that you may give us rest, but giving up your place as God, becoming man, entering our homes and our domain, even that domain of death, and inviting us into your home. I pray, Father, for your love to flow through each of us. I pray that our community is filled with that very same balance of keeping out what cannot be here, and inviting in our brokenness to heal. I ask that how we live, how we speak, and how we see one another, will not cause anyone to stumble, but will point them to your love. In your Son's name I pray. Amen. -Coop