Voiceless?

The kids at the Home of Hope are not voiceless!

As I said yesterday, perhaps folks like them are deliberately silenced or purposely ignored. Maybe we’d rather not hear what they have to say.

But they aren’t voiceless.

It’s sort of popular to talk about being a “voice for the voiceless.” I’d prefer to watch our kids become strong, confident men and women who speak up for themselves.

And then – I wish we would all stop and listen, because I suspect they have a great deal to teach us.

We absolutely ought to advocate for those who can’t advocate for themselves. But let’s never pretend we’re somehow more capable.

Let’s be careful that our well-intended advocacy doesn’t perpetuate systems and attitudes designed around our power and control.

Jesus invited us to service, to elevate others above ourselves. He said the first must be last.

Can I view myself in this role? In a group of abused, trafficked children, can I surrender my status?

Can I truly be the last?

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On the topic of service – perhaps you remember that a few months ago my bike frame busted.

Since then, a remarkable group of people surrounded me and provided finances to purchase a very spiffy custom-built bike. It finally arrived a few weeks ago in a great big box – with, as they say, “some assembly required.”

So, three friends – engineers and bike geeks – spent most of a day building this crazy-looking contraption.

I’m deeply grateful for this remarkable gift. Of course, it allows me to do something I enjoy, but I hope it serves a much larger purpose.

I hope it’s a symbol of service and sacrifice.

I hope it reminds people of a group of kids whose stories matter.

Please enjoy a quick bike-building video:

Can’t see the video? Click here.