‘Of all the things that sustain a leader over time, love is the most lasting.’ (Kouzes & Posner) I honestly believed I was following Jesus until I took my first step into the Philippines. I had become a Christian some years earlier and, as such, had tried to centre my life on the Christ of the gospels. I say ‘tried’ because it has been a rocky ride so far. Highs, lows and everything in between. I swing from burning inspiration to faltering faith, from close to God to straying widely off the path. I always struggle with church-as-institution and with my own stumbling discipleship. Then I encounter a poor Filipina, a girl who grew up on a remote jungle mountainside, whose life transforms everything. She is wild, crazy, passionate, funny and compassionate. Much like Jesus – whom she loves – she both inspires and terrifies me: inspires me by what’s possible; terrifies me by what it may call from me. Her life models her own radical mandate: ‘Whatever status or power you have, use it for those who are vulnerable; whatever money you have, use it for the poor; whatever strength you have, use it for the weak; whatever hope you have, use it to bring hope to those who live without hope. Speak up for justice and truth – whatever the cost. Pray.’ She lives it literally – and that scares me. Where I see issues, she sees people. While I’m still thinking about it, she’s out there doing it. Her self-sacrificial lifestyle looks and feels profoundly reckless and unnerving. It unsettles me. It alarms me. It evokes a spiritual-existential crisis. It shakes everything in me to the core. Yet it also kindles fresh glimmers of light. I see amazing hope on the faces of people whose lives she touches. I see the ordinary-extraordinary miracles that God performs through her every day and it strengthens my own faith. She evokes a yearning in me to see and love Jesus and the poor more deeply: whatever.
10 Comments
Stella Goddard BA (Hons) Registered MBACP (Accred)
7/11/2018 12:18:26 pm
Nick - Another thought provoking piece. Sometimes other people's faith/beliefs can challenge us. At other times we may feel inspired. Yet each person's journey is unique and vital to the whole. Comparisons can leave us feeling 'less than' or 'more than' depending on many complex variables. You have an inspirational story to share. I am glad that you share it.
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Nick Wright
7/11/2018 12:18:56 pm
Hi Stella. Thanks for your encouraging feedback - as always!
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Kathrin
7/11/2018 04:34:30 pm
Wir bewundern Menschen, die es unserer Meinung nach besser schaffen, die Liebe und Hilfe Jesu weiterzugeben. In ihrer Art, ihren Worten und ihrem Tun. Oft fühlen wir uns klein oder schwach neben ihnen. Dabei dürfen wir aber unser eigenes Tun für Jesus nicht klein oder schlecht machen. In unseren individuellen Lebensbereichen und mit unseren Möglichkeiten sind auch wir Hilfe für andere Menschen. Vielleicht nicht für Arme, aber für Kranke, Einsame, Hilfesuchende oder Kinder. Für unsere Freunde und auch für Fremde. Ihnen können wir bei jedem Treffen zeigen, dass wir sie schätzen, sie ernst nehmen, sie unterstützen. Wir können ihnen Mut geben, Zeit schenken, ihnen zur Seite stehen. Und so einen wertvollen Beitrag leisten, Gottes Liebe weiterzugeben.
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Nick Wright
7/11/2018 05:26:06 pm
Hi Kathrin. Yes, we can each fulfil our own calling in the circumstances in which we find ourselves - or even, perhaps, in which God places us. I think that's something about being authentic to ourselves. We can also be humbled, challenged and inspired by the example of others who act as role models for us. This Filipina is being true to her calling in her own life and circumstances. Her example humbles, challenges and inspires me beyond words!
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John
9/11/2018 11:10:12 am
A good observation. Thanks.
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Nick Wright
9/11/2018 11:18:56 am
Thanks for the positive feedback, John.
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Corinna K.
14/11/2018 07:52:26 pm
What a powerful life model she is living by! Thanks for sharing!
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Nick Wright
14/11/2018 07:53:23 pm
Thanks Corinna. Yes, I agree. Humble and courageous.
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21/12/2018 06:24:29 pm
When God called us to do something good, we should answer the calling and prove to God that we are worthy of his attention. As what we all know, "many were called, but few were chosen" God chose you to do something good not just for yourself, but for other people as well. How I wish people would have that pure heart as yours. Most of the people I know now do not have that and they think mostly about themselves which is really sad. But there is still hope in me that they will change.
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Nick Wright
28/12/2018 11:55:27 am
Hi Best. Thanks for sharing your reflections. There is still hope in me that I may change..!
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Nick WrightI'm a psychological coach, trainer and OD consultant. Curious to discover how can I help you? Get in touch!
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