We tend to create lives full of people who think like us, look like us, come from a similar culture or background. And yet I believe that God is only fully known through the vast diversity of God’s most amazing creation, people. Part of what God calls us to do is to live lives where we are constantly aware of the walls we are putting up, the safety bubbles where we are retreating, the people we are cutting off and marginalizing.
This past week I got to go to Oregon State School Board Camp. It was an interesting exercise as most boards have 5-7 members wether they serve 49,000 students or 400 students. This means that rural Oregonians are present at the camp in higher numbers than urban Oregonians. Many districts throughout the state have been electing younger and more diverse board members, so there is a cohort of ethnically and identity diverse folks. We are not alike in so many ways, and that can make it hard for us to talk to each other, but we are all here because we care about public education. I met so many amazing people and learned a ton. It was uncomfortable at times and yet always a gift to be stretching and learning and finding more of who God is through the presence of others.
The work of the Parish is to continue to equip our community to pop our bubbles that we may find God in holy and unexpected places.
-Eilidh
Recent Comments