we just got back from our first visit to a school. we arrived at jerry falwell's liberty university around 11am, after having met at local church and having further non-violent training for the community members that were joining us. We stepped off the bus on the sidewalk outside of campus and listened to a concert by a folk duo called "someone's sister." A few students met us and we began some meaningful conversations.
25 people from the group attempted to go on campus to have dialouge with the rest of libery's students. they were met with police who one by one arrested all 25 people, as they read a speech which our director jake had written for the students of liberty to hear. the rest of our group stood in a prayerful vigil behind our brothers and sisters. i led us in singing songs which spoke of justice and love. after our brothers and sisters were escorted away, we stayed for several hours and had some really wonderful discussions with a few students who decided to come and meet our members.
what i learned today was that when a conversation with students turned into a game of trying to win the conversation between who had more points to back up their side, no common ground was gained. but when i entered a situation, knowing and acting like the other human being was my brother or sister in christ, and came to the conversation by way of lighthearted jokes and common expereriences, we both left the dialouge feeling as though we each had truth to offer to each other. the goal is reconcilliation and the creation of the beloved community/kindom of god. we touched and felt this community today. may the seeds of compassion and justice be watered towards growth from this moment on.
10 years ago
