Loving My Neighbor By Listening

I have had the wonderful opportunity to serve at Evangel Home this summer. Evangel Home (EH) is a shelter for women in crisis that also has two transitional living programs. One thing God has really taught me through this experience is the importance of story and the power of listening. Throughout my five weeks at EH, I have listened the stories of the women there and have been astounded at how God has worked in Fresno. Really, one of the most important, overarching lessons is that one of the main needs of every person is to have their story told and to feel like she is being understood. 

As some of the women would share bits of their past, I can see a sense of relief in them - - to tell her life story is to open herself up to God’s healing. God has been breaking my heart for what breaks His through the simple act of listening to someone’s story. Hearing about their heartbreak and set backs broadens my preconceived idea of poor (in spirit). And at the same time, hearing of how God has triumphed over their burdens and addictions and broken relationships broadens my idea of what healing is and can be. 

I’ve seen stories being played out right before me - - women forgiving alcoholic parents, women being released from the chains of anger, women reaching the one year mark of sobriety. I specifically remember one lady who would share her life stories with me whenever she had the chance - - she would speak of her family, of how she ended up at EH and even stories of her childhood - - and with each story I felt a growing love for her. I was loving my neighbor by listening. 

As I begin to transition out of “FUI” and into “real life” I have been challenged to seek after the story of those around me, and to create space for them to explain their lives as they have experienced it. Ministry is not always about me actively serving and feeling like I had been productive but sometimes it is about quieting myself and allowing others to ‘take the stage.’

Here is a poem I wrote as a tribute to many of the stories I have heard and witnessed in the Evangel Home:

In Full Bloom

Pissed.

Why to me?

All I hear is of opportunities missed,

And that I have no where to flee.

I want to be home

And I don’t give a damn about Christ’s - - what’s it? - - Shalom.

Pretending to lose sight of all my dismay,

My heart pangs with grief as my baby, without me, continues growing…

Holding hands, we silently pray

…but I am not worthy God’s graces overflowing.

Tears flow when remembering the places I’ve been,

I am broken and ever marred with sin.

To my old self, I cannot return.

To my daughter, I’ll be home soon.

- Lani, Cal Poly