Experiments in Truth

We are so concerned with appearances. But not always without reason. Appearances are inevitably the first point of contact between ourselves and others. They form our initial impressions and help us interpret the world. But each person runs deep, and we sense strongly that appearances are a dim reflection of what lies inside.

Last Wednesday’s meeting began with a discussion of the merits of finding an organization to partner with in our community housing project. Such a partnership would help assuage the city’s concerns about the viability and stability of our project. Some in our group, however, expressed worry that a partnership may forfeit too much of our vision and influence in the development of the project.

I think we fear—perhaps it’s an unfounded fear—that the city is judges us on appearances. We struggle to articulate a vision for this project and to convince those whose approval is needed that we can operate a healthy and sustainable community in the Fraser Valley Inn.

I could not help but note the parallels between our concerns for the community and our later discussion about how we are perceived as individuals. In the second part of our meeting, Mark shared part of his journey and his striving towards accepting himself for who he is. His vulnerability with us was an invitation to a deeper place of knowing ourselves and knowing each other.

Members of the Northumbria Community on the island of Lindisfarne take a two-fold vow as part of their commitment to community. They say yes to the disciplines of availability and vulnerability. This means committing oneself to be present to God and to people, and then to the task of facing the truth about oneself. Most of us will face something else, a shadow of ourselves, something without depth or colour. But to be beholden to one another requires something more. It requires that we see ourselves as we are. We confront what Thomas Merton called the Unspeakable, the void within us that causes us to live in states of denial and illusion. We confront our unspoken assumptions about our identities with the aim of discerning ego from true self and discovering the value in us and in each person we meet.

At last Wednesday’s meeting, I sensed that our collective desire was to live in a deeper place of knowing ourselves and one another in the hope that we will come to accept ourselves and one another. Here, I find the convergence of two beliefs I hold deeply: first, Gandhi’s belief that Truth is God, and second, the biblical notion that God is Love. The more we experiment in Truth, the closer we are drawn to Love, and Love is the most powerful force in the universe.

-Jim

City Meetings

One of the City Planners called me up this week and asked me to come in to go over a few things. No big deal, right? I had little idea that I would be lead into a room of four other city professionals, each of whom hold some kind of power in handing me the key to my future, and the future of this project.

If I had known from conception what this endeavor would entail; the work, the proposals, the meetings, the constant emotional demand, I wonder if I would've still initiated. I think that I may have shied away overwhelmed by all these requirements in which I have no training or experience. But at the same time, I would be wandering right now. I probably wouldn't have stayed in Abbotsford this long, and I would not be experiencing the depth of relationship that I am privileged to right now. I am not afraid of hard work, and it has definitely been worth it.

The meeting was a list of requirements and concerns. Not many of the issues were new things not previously thought of, but our theoretical responses are not strong enough. I understand that when it comes to an undertaking such as this, and especially without any experience in the area, good intentions and hopes are not enough. Something concrete is needed; research, and back-up. Problems should be solved before they can happen. I understand that this is for the well-being of the city as well as ourselves.

I left with an understanding that we are in part battling logistics, but in part battling the prejudices of a well meaning, but completely unfamiliar people group who have no grid for a culture of such values and ambitions. Their perception on this type of living, based solely on past experience would be entirely negative. It is not enough to build only trust, but there must be an understanding and security as well. It is unfair to say that everyone one I have had to work with in the city is like this. But let me say that maybe the ones right now who have spoken the loudest are voices such as this.

At the same time, despite some of their appearant reservations. They have not mearly dismissed this project. They have spent much time and many meetings to work towards solutions that will help bring these plans to reality. I have felt their support and for that I am grateful.

There is much work to be done. Mostly, gathering a network of experience and support and facts that will convince the city that we have what it takes.
I tend to write in a reflective and somewhat abstract manner. You'rr probably wondering what these issues were that were brought up.

-Possible partnering with an association that has experience
-Affordable housing vs. off-campus dorms
-Ratios of students to non-students/the fact that students are not a main priority
-Who is the priority and how do you narrow and ensure your acceptance to that
-Noise buffering
-Security and crime prevention
-Organization and policies