Give: A word for today

If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink… Proverbs 25.21

Many years ago I had the privilege of working with adjudicated Native American sex offenders between the ages of 13 and 22, providing an alternative to incarceration. I, white, young, professional, female was immediately considered ‘enemy,’ the one with power they thought they did not have.

We gave them food and Doctor Pepper— with extra just for being.
We gave them safe place to rest — with extra just for being.
We gave them unconditional respect — with extra just for being.
We gave them encouragement to express their passion — with extra just for being.

They gave us food from their pueblo — teaching us to receive.
They gave us easy“Indian Time”— teaching us patience.
They gave us conditional respect — teaching us mindfulness.
They gave us courage in our convictions — teaching us faithfulness.

Each day throughout the Season of Advent “Forward Movement” publishes a word for reflection. You may find them at adventword.org

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Thank you! Blessings for a Holy Advent.

Learn more about me at
https://www.debraasis.org

All words are generated by grace and the grit of a real human being, Debra Asis