Some things are too complex to explain in words.
When I can’t get my point across in words, I draw pictures.
When the pictures don’t convey, I do whatever I can to invite people into the story.
I’ve asked people to join me at a community meal. I’ve walked people into the woods to share the experience of living outside. I’ve sent elected officials on a ride with a case manager. I write street stories to give people a momentary glimpse of the often-unimaginable things that are a regular part of our unhoused neighbors’ world.
Recently, I’ve resorted to hosting a weekly bus tour. In groups of 12 or less, community members can get as close as I know how to experience the Micah Community, who our neighbors are, and why our churches have chosen to care for them the way that we do.
I am satisfied when people can walk away appreciating that overcoming homelessness is about so much more than getting a job and a place to live. It is a greater win if people can understand our ministry as more than food and shelter. The big hope is that perspectives shift just enough that people begin to see their mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter, maybe even themselves, in the stories and experiences of our region’s unhoused.
I have spent thousands of hours in one-on-ones, addressing small groups, speaking in public meetings, and demonstrating my points with flow charts, videos and whiteboards. But in a single two-and-a-half-hour tour, a ride through the “neighborhood” creates an encounter with people who live there and the people who love them.
It occurs to me that God has had similar difficulties trying to explain the world to us. When we didn’t understand the words given in the Garden of Eden, God communicated through kings and prophets. When we still didn’t get it, God took a tour of our neighborhood by coming in human form through Jesus. Jesus allowed us to encounter God in ways we could not understand through words nor people.
The world continued to reject what God was trying to explain through Jesus; but those who had an encounter became reliable witnesses for the intended message.
Mary and Joseph’s struggle is particularly interesting to me. God gave them a vision, and they accepted the responsibility. Even as willing participants, they faced scandal, homelessness and had to seek refuge in another country. But once the baby was here, God could take all the confusion, misunderstanding and hopelessness of the world and point toward something.
What is the message to the shepherds and wisemen on the eve of Christ’s birth? Come and See. The star will take you there.
What is the message Jesus shares with those he calls to be his first disciples? Come and See. If you follow the answers will come clear.
What is the proclamation announced by the women who discovered the empty tomb? Come and See. The long-awaited kingdom has come through death and resurrection.
God’s story magnifies how hard it is for a meeting, a column or even a well-written sermon to convince people to understand and love neighbor the way that humanity was intended. But having something to point toward becomes a game changer in what people hear and how they understand it.
Chelsea Harmon writes in a sermon commentary on John 1:29-42, “The only way to be a disciple is to ‘come and see’ what life with God is like, to go where he goes, be with who he is with, do what he does, and to tell and invite others about all that we have seen and experienced.”
People have been listening to my stories for more than two decades now. I’ve muscled my way into circles of influence that may or may not appreciate what I have to say. I know people are reading because you write me notes, stop me in the coffee shop and share the ways you are using my words to tell the story to others. At this point, people know me much more than I know them.
Time and persistence have paid off; but there are so many more conversations to be had if we are going to form the relationships needed for a community that is flourishing for all.
So here is my invitation: Allow me to point you toward something more than I have ever offered. Join me for a tour of my “neighborhood.” Allow me to show you the things you have been reading about all these years, and let me give you context.
A seat on our bus tour is waiting for you as an individual; or you can book the whole bus and fill it with your closest friends and family members.
Visit this link, and let me know if you have trouble: https://calendly.com/meghann-
I look forward to seeing you when you come.
– Meghann Cotter
Executive Servant-Leader
Micah Ecumenical Ministries