Acompañar

This past May 25-27, we spent a great weekend with Hugo and Sandra Monroy. Originally from Columbia, this couple now lives and ministers in New York City. Out of their experience and ministry to trauma victims—refugees, victims of disasters, war zones, abuse, etc.—they have developed an equipping ministry for leaders and workers who are also ministering among those who have experienced high levels of trauma and brokenness.

The time was great for a small group of 25 or so of us—Mexican leaders and missionaries from Guadalajara, La Piedad and Mexico City! It was a great time of fellowship and equipping—hopefully an important time to be drawn more deeply into mission among hurting people.

Hugo and Sandra kept using the word acompañar—to accompany, to join, to walk along with. I like the reminder of my calling as a follower of Jesus—a follower of the One who became flesh and joins us on our journey…even when the journey is very difficult, lonely, confusing…

I like the reminder that I am not expected to fix everyone’s problems. I’m not expected to provide all the solutions, the explanations, the answers. Acompañar.

We just need someone to walk along with us. At least it’s a starting place…until the One who is the Answer points the way.

The Hole in My Sidewalk

A friend recently reminded me that the evil one often uses the same strategies over and over again–he’s really not that creative, just consistent.

First he distracts us. Next he discourages us. Finally he disables us. Often times in that order if we fall for it.

I know this…head knowledge and experienced knowledge!

Yet, I think one of the main “holes” in my sidewalk are distractions. I see them there in the sidewalk. I know they are there. But I fall in anyway. I usually get out pretty quickly–I guess that means I’m in the 3rd chapter of the story!

I’m ready to move on…again!!!

There’s a Hole in My Sidewalk

THERE’S A HOLE IN MY SIDEWALK
Autobiography in Five Short Chapters
By Portia Nelson

Chapter One
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost…. I am helpless.
It isn’t my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter Two
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend that I don’t see it.
I fall in again.
I can’t believe I am in this same place.
But, it isn’t my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter Three
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in … it’s a habit … but, my eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.

Chapter Four
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

Chapter Five
I walk down another street.