Oasis 2011

For 18 years now over 200 youth from the Miami area have gathered in central Florida to find Oasis from the chaos of life. The camp started by Kim Torres and others was intended to provide an Oasis for the youth post-hurricane Andrew and has continued to do so ever since, tropical storm or no tropical storm. This past week was my second time at Oasis. The theme this year was, "real". Youth were encouraged to be for real about their lives, make real decisions for Jesus, and then go home and live out that real decision daily in the choices they make.

On Monday night we gave youth the opportunity to go outside the chapel and spend 15 minutes alone talking to God. I walked outside and the youth all took this challenge seriously. Each of them spoke to God, some cried to God, and some found others to cry with. On
Tuesday afternoon we had some time to debrief. We asked the questions, "what have you learned?" And, "Where did you see God?" One of our youth who has recently got back involved in Branches said this, "Yesterday, when I was talking to God about my problems I looked out at all the youth and adults, over 200 of us sharing our problems and pain with God, and I wonder how could God hold all of this pain at once." My response was, "I don't know how God can do it. I certainly couldn't do it, but God can and God does listen to each one of us." My answer was o.k. but her question was so profound and deep and left me in awe of how amazing our God is to listen to each one of us and absorb all of our pain and suffering, not only on the cross but even today. I am so thankful for all the children and youth at my church who constantly point me to God!

This evening we had a dinner and time of sharing post-camp. I learned there that this same youth has been texting her friends and reminding them to do the 28 Day Devotional Challenge we gave to each of the youth! Camp Oasis 2011 was AMAZING! Thanks to all of you for your prayers! I know God has even greater things to come!

Speaking into Suffering

Reared by a host of southern women, one discipline I learned early on was that of suffering silently. Whether it was during the painful process of pulling off a band-aid or experiencing the betrayal of a friend, if I was to be a dignified woman I was to deal with pain privately and pray things would change.

Yesterday that discipline was challenged as I marched and was not silent about the pain farmworkers in Florida are experiencing. As I walked and clapped and cheered, rather politely, I also looked to others who were a bit more undignified than me in my clerical collar. As I marched I thought of other marches, like the one Joshua led around Jericho, which led to walls of injustice falling down. I pondered also those who were called to be undignified like David who boldly danced before Saul because God’s justice had reigned. Although my southern tradition says, "shhh", it seems that my Christian tradition calls me to speak, maybe even shout.

I wondered while walking six miles with those from WeCount! (A local farmworker organization in Homestead) why people needed to become undignified. Why couldn't the Coalition sit down in a nice air- conditioned office with Publix executives and politely work things out. The answer is quite simple, Publix doesn't want to work things out. The Coalition has made several attempts and given Publix several invitations to sit-down and talk. While Publix supports the farmworkers who make their fair-trade coffee in Chile they refuse to take any responsibility for the farmworkers here in America. Publix has the power to change the plight of farmworkers in Florida yet says it is none of their business. Although my grandmother would advise CIW to move on, I do believe my God has advised them to march on...and so we did. There must have been well over 500 people who marched on yesterday and refused to stay silent about their own pain and that of their brothers and sisters.

As the Pastor of people who directly feel the economic pain spoken of today I felt privileged to speak with them. Paul said when one part of the body suffers the whole body suffers. United Methodist in Florida City are suffering. I am thankful for the United Methodist Churches and clergy that came out and spoke about the suffering my community and their body is experiencing.

As I prepare my heart for Lent I am reminded too that Jesus did not suffer silently but instead had seven last words to say as he suffered. Words like, "Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me." "I thirst. "It is finished." Although Jesus' words were few his pain did not happen without protest. Jesus refused to let Rome have the last word. Rather He spoke his suffering while at the same time delivering a message of reconciliation and hope for those to his right and left.

As I continue to be grateful for my host of Southern women who raised me. I am so gratefully aware of the communities of Branches UMC and CIW that are continuing the rearing process and leading me closer to the cross of Jesus Christ.