God Speaks

There are those who don't believe that God still speaks to us today. I'm not talking about his voice coming to us through the text of scripture or through preachers on Sunday morning, although this is his primary way of speaking to us.  But there are times when God speaks to us either directly (that audible voice within us) or indirectly through another person.  I've experienced both.

In fact, last week I received a phone call from our pastor about a single mom who needed help - "she's very distressed at the moment - here's her cell number" - and was there something our deacons (I am one) could do to help her?  She had been evicted; all her belongings were sitting on the parking lot of her building. The bailiff was there, and the movers couldn't load up her things until she had a confirmed address for delivery. 

Our local social assistance office had checked out the local women's shelters, but there was no room. A few churches had been called, but nothing yet. The distraught woman lived in our community, only a few blocks from me, as it turned out.  I didn't know her, know of her, and frankly, I hoped someone else would step forward - in the next few minutes.

I called a few of my fellow deacons...no one was home at the time. Hmmm....what to do...

I called a friend from my church - a wise woman - who also happens to be involved in our Single Moms Ministry. Perhaps she would recognize the name, and assure me it was safe to enter into this situation. The name didn't ring a bell. I explained the situation, expressing my hesitation to get involved. One question uppermost in my mind - why was she being evicted? Maybe this woman is an addict, a drug dealer, or who knows what? (Ah, that warm, cozy comfort zone). My husband and I could possibly put her and her daughter up for a few nights - but that's all, since we're going away on the weekend.  I told my friend I was nervous about taking this on - to which she, in her gentle voice replied, "But that's what we're called to do, isn't it?"

God could not have spoken to me in a more distinct voice.  I heard him clearly.

I called the evicted woman, who was, understandably, in a state of panic. Within 15 minutes, we met at a local restaurant for coffee, where she told me her story. We discussed her immediate need. I knew of someone who might at least have room to store her belongings for a few weeks (the storage company wanted 3 months payment up front).

Within an hour of leaving the restaurant, we had not only found a place for her belongings to be stored, but had found a possible home for her and her daughter. The solution came through one of our church families who had both room for their things, and (unbeknownst to me) a furnished suite for rent - that they were willing to reduce the rate on. What a wonderful Divine orchestration of events! That afternoon, all was confirmed and mother and daughter moved in that evening.

She and her delightful daughter joined us for dinner, as we enjoyed lively conversation and their company before taking them to their new home (an affordable, furnished suite, no less).

Funny how we need reminding and encouragement to do the right thing. If there's one thing I've learned in following Christ, it's that obedience is the primary thing.  It's how the kingdom comes.

Restorative Justice

In the past few years, I've had opportunity to do a few articles on the topic of restorative justice.  This does not make me an expert, but has certainly provided me with much food for thought.

When our son was little, he stole a roll of candies from the corner store. When I asked him where he'd gotten the candy and he confessed, we talked about why stealing is wrong, and how we should correct this situation. Together we walked back to the store, where he faced the store owner, admitted what he had done, and apologized. I don't think he ever stole anything again (at least not to my knowledge). This is a very simple example of restorative justice.

A website dedicated to restorative justice, defines it as a theory of justice that emphasizes repairing the harm caused or revealed by criminal behavior. It is best accomplished through cooperative processes that include all stakeholders. 

It is in our human nature to seek retribution when we or our loved ones are violated in some way. Our whole sense of what's fair in a situation comes into play. We want the offender to pay for their deeds. It is difficult to think otherwise when we have lost something or someone through crime.

I am not excusing criminal behavior or consequences for crimes committed. I believe that justice includes accountability for the offender. The question is, what is appropriate? Is there more than just a sentence that needs to be served? How can healing take place? After all, that should be the goal, should it not?  Healing for the offended - and, dare I suggest it? - for the offender.

As the name suggests, restoration is the premise of the restorative justice process.  It's easy for victims of violence to become entrenched in a cycle of hatred, revenge and a victim mentality, a cycle non-conducive to healing. The cycle, while understandable, begets further hatred and possible violence. Some kind of intervention is helpful in ending the cycle.

Restorative justice, where both victim and offender are willing, brings both parties together. It allows the offender to offer sincere regret for what they've done, to acknowledge their part in altering the lives of the offended, and to take responsibility for their actions. The victims or their families are given the opportunity to hear and acknowledge the apology - to know there is some regret on the part of the offender.

Confession provides healing, even if punishment is still due. It's a relief to confess what has been festering inside our souls. Hearing someone confess to us can also provide opportunity for mercy to make an appearance. Apologies do not remove effects of a crime. Mercy or forgiveness does not preclude a sentence fitting the crime. It does ease the heart of both parties to some degree. It can help to end the cycle of hatred and violence.

RJ is not a quick fix. Working through loss towards mercy or through guilt towards freedom can take a lifetime. We have heard the saying 'an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.'  But now, have been shown a better way.