Finding the Bright Moments

Every day people wander into our Pine Knot ministry center searching for something.  Most of the time it’s clothing, or shoes, or some household item, like towels and sheets, which they find themselves desirous of.  But along with that need comes the intangible, yet equally vital desire to relate to someone, especially in moments of distress.  The vast majority of folks that we minister to are facing significant issues, either personally or within their families.  Domestic abuse, drug addiction, diminished mental health and physical maladies are ever-present.  The stress of living a life of seeming perpetual need, and perceiving no ongoing solution to this dilemma, is many times overwhelming.  At the end of a day, I often return to my home most weary, worn down by the flow of negativity that seems to accompany most impoverished lives.  A few concerned friends have asked, “How do you cope with such difficult daily experiences?”  My answer is simple.  I look for the “bright moments”!

Last week was very typical, at least as far as ministry encounters go.  We began our day on Monday helping a family who, only a few short hours before, had lost every worldly possession to a house fire.  As we provided clothing and other items to the needful folks, my mind traveled back many years to the time when I had first helped this same family with a most significant need.  I was saddened that, even though we had brought a GREAT amount of relief to them back then, their lives were once again consumed by the influences of poverty.  The next day an elderly woman, who was attempting to function through her mental illness, stood before me wide-eyed, unable to grasp the simple concept that I had just shared with her.  As the day wore on similar experiences began to surface, piling one upon the other until I once again felt a “funk” setting in on my spirit.

But then, I walked to the front desk to chat with two ladies who were bagging up the clothing they had just received.  I commented to the shorter gal about her waist-length hair.  The taller woman, probably in her early thirties, smiled shyly and commented that she had also had such long hair, at least until a few days ago.  Sporting a shortly cropped, yet nicely cut hairstyle, she shared that she was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.  Anticipating what frequent rounds of chemo and radiation would no doubt do to her hair, she chose to “harvest” her long dark locks and donate them to another cancer victim to have made into a wig.  She could have kept the twenty-four inches of healthy hair for herself, but she chose to bless someone else who was further along in their shared journey.  I felt a sudden surge of hope through the darkness of the medical prognosis.

No more than thirty minutes later I once again had a couple standing in front of me; this time a man and his wife, both once again in their early thirties.  The gal had picked out a colorful headscarf and was already wrapping it around her recently shaved head.  Complimenting her on her choice, I carefully commented on her hair.  As anticipated, the young woman shared an all-too-common story of the effects of the treatment she was receiving for the cancer in her body.  I turned to her companion and commended him for being here with his lady rather than sitting in the car and smoking, like many guys do.  The guy blushed a little and removed his own stocking cap, a freshly shaved head softly glowing under the overhead lights.  “We’re in this together!” was all that he said.

Such are those “bright moments” that carry us through the difficulties of each day.  It has been nearly fourteen years since Rita and I arrived to live in what has now become known as “the poorest county in the entire nation”.  Yes, many times the seeming result of our work is similar to the fire victim I previously mentioned.  We had built them a wonderful home, but poor decisions on their part had left them homeless once again.  They made choices that wound up having serious consequences.  But rather than dwelling on those moments when our work seemed to be a “boondoggle” (as I was once told), we continue to look for those times when the Brightness of God’s Love shines through the darkness.  They’re always there... if we just pause and look for the lovely things.  Every day I remind our volunteer ministry staff to deal with the negative, but ponder the positive.  “...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Christmas... Version 1.0

It’s become a tradition for us to send Christmas ornaments to the sustaining financial supporters of our ministry.  Each year we try to find a piece which speaks of life here in the hills and hollers.  Many times these Christmas tree trimmings have been made from local coal dust, mixed with resin and shaped into remembrances of the coal industry which once dominated this region.  As I selected the ornaments for this year’s gifts I noticed that, in fact, I had sent this same design during a Christmas past.  My first impulse was to return the items to the local craftsman who sold them to me, but then I was reminded of one simple, yet profound truth; Christmas, and the Christ, are “the same yesterday and today and forever.” (see Hebrews 13:8)

I fear that many times our thirst for bigger and better seeps over into our worship of our King.  We never seem content with what is, but look to improve on it.  Every day the “app store” icon on my cell phone reveals a great number of enhancements which I’m told I simply must have.  Often my computer visually taunts me that its operating system is not the latest and greatest.  This agitating need to improve on everything, or at least cause it to grow in volume, is ever-present, even outside of the cyber-world.  Folks flood the Christmas section of Walmart to secure additional lights to make their homes more dazzling than last year.  Lasers and musically synced strings of LEDs replace the worn and weary ice-cycle lights of previous displays.  Even in our church celebrations during this special season, advancing technology brings the plays and musical presentations to a crescendo, at least until next year.

Change is inevitable in any circumstance.  In fact, it’s often healthy and necessary.  The writer of the Bible book of Ecclesiastes reminds us, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:” (Ecc. 3:1)  For more than thirteen years my wife, Rita, and I have ministered among the impoverished people of Appalachia.  Over that span of time, we have frequently altered the means by which we engage people with the Good News of Christ.  What began as primarily a “church house” approach to reaching folks, has transformed into daily encounters with those who need assistance with myriad aspects of their lives.  While our means of ministering have changed, our motive has remained the same.  Our initial calling from God was to “Teach the people about My Love, and SHOW them how to take care of one-another.”  Over the years it has often been suggested that we GROW our organization, rebranding our appearance to the world and taking a more event-focused approach to ministry.  I’m not condemning those who upgrade the “version” of their ministry in an effort to be increasingly relevant in an often skeptical world, but Rita and I have discerned a need to remain constant in our simple one-on-one approach to helping people discover their true need to love God, and to love their neighbor as themselves.

The Christmas season brings to the hills and hollers a certain sense of desperation.  Needful folks literally race from agency to agency, trying to glean from the bountiful harvest of gifts and services... while they are still available.  We ceased to host a traditional Christmas “give-away” a year ago.  Our decision was influenced by the number of trucks parked in front of our building, during our events, already filled with bags and boxes of gifts obtained at other venues.  Instead, we choose to encounter people individually.  While the more populated areas in our county are host to a vast number of Christmas events, we work quietly to bring gifts to the children of a very remote community, appropriately named “Clark Holler”, as well as to our local neighbors who were passed over during other Christmas events.

I truly believe that the greatest gift that any of the needful souls who seek our assistance could ever receive- aside from their salvation in Christ- is the gift of “true understanding”.  The birth of Christ makes that possible.  As we minister to people during this Christmas season, and any time of the year, we try to illuminate the vital importance of seizing the responsibility and accountability which we all have within our society.  I’m sure that if folks would accept this gift with the same enthusiasm which they display while standing in line at multiple give-away events, they would find the True Purpose of Christmas influencing their lives... every day of the year.

I pray that you experience the Joy of Jesus in everything this season... in His unchanging version.  Merry Christmas from the Cmoliks and Hills and Hollers Ministries!

Relational Integration... again!

Dear Mission Family,

As I sat in my front porch sanctuary this morning, I once again became vividly aware of the change in seasons that is sweeping over us, both in a physical and a spiritual sense.  A few short weeks ago I was able to rest on my swing and view the fractal line of a mountain ridge, a mile in the distance.  Now my physical vision only extends out for thirty yards before colliding with a wall of vegetation.  As syrupy moisture laden air replaces the cool and dry breezes of spring, I know that summer has arrived in the hills and hollers.  Many folks revere this time of year.  I am not counted among those who do.

Another seasonal transformation, for many, is graduation from various levels of schooling.  Next Saturday one of our favorite young men in the area will be walking through the halls of the local high school for his last time as a student.  As James stands with his classmates and tosses his mortarboard high into the air, I will no doubt wonder- as I always do- how many of our graduates are prepared to begin assuming the role of “adult”.  I know that when I received my diploma I had very little vision for my future.  But I did have the benefit of a mother, other relatives and friends, who helped encourage me to grow beyond my current environment, into the concept of “responsibility”.

A few weeks back, I spoke to a group of high-school student leaders.  The meeting was at an off-site location, so I was given the opportunity to challenge my audience in matters of faith without much concern of “offense” (I’m so tired of hearing that word).  My message was one of “integrated responsibility”, and this ahead of any perceived “rights”.  I used the Gospel message of One Body with many parts, and tried to illuminate the vital need in life for each of us to see ourselves as a part of a bigger “whole”, and then to exercise our God-given responsibility within that larger existence.  I advised these future leaders that the Gospel of Christ is not simply a right to be claimed, though it IS the “Ultimate Right”, overcoming the offense of sin.  Using the illustration that the Apostle Paul provides us in 1Corinthians 12, I spoke of our need to seize our responsibility within this Greater Body, living out the Gospel by “one-anothering” as an integrated part of our salvation.

Integration has long been at the heart of Hills and Hollers Ministries.  After all, this concept is what relationship is all about; seeing the interconnectedness of ourselves with another and then exercising our responsibility within that union.  Integration is NOT about using someone else’s resources to benefit our own quest.  It is about recognizing how our personal gifts and talents can build up a needful part of the Body, thus bringing improved health to the Greater Whole!  This is just as true for individual people as it is for businesses and ministry organizations.  By necessity, integration MUST be a “reciprocal” undertaking.  Without that condition developing, the growth of the Body is stunted.  “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part if honored, every part rejoices with it.” (1Cor. 12:26)

As I go about my daily ministry here in the hills and hollers, I am saddened as I see “contribution” being a substitute for real integration.  Opportunities for relationship are often bypassed for the sake of accomplishment of a mission.  Personally, I try to connect at a deeper level with everyone who comes to our ministry center in search of assistance, desiring to discover how our “parts” might draw health from each other.  I pray that each of us look outside of the sphere of our current relationships to draw an appreciation for the Greater Whole… and then discover our responsibility within it!

Relational Integration

A friend of mine recently responded to my Facebook post by sharing the lyrics of a 1967 song from the group, The Youngbloods.  “Come on people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together, try to love one another…”  While “peace and love” was the cry of that era, sadly violence and bloodshed were often the result of the agitation that existed.  But that’s another story for another day.

If you should ask of anyone who knows me, “What is Jim’s heart inclined toward?” they will probably respond, “Relationship!”  It’s true!  Many years ago I received a type of revelation; the kind that isn’t simply dropped into your mind, but rather, registers deep within your spirit.  Being an avid reader of the Holy Scriptures, I found that this concept was the TRUE foundation of the Bible; not a path of religion but a journey of relationship.  The heart of the teachings of Jesus became alive, but so did a deep agitation at how the world has distorted these truths.

I know!  Some would say, “Duhhhhh”.  But even those folks probably still don’t grasp the real nature of relationship.  I’ve had people tell me, “Not everybody is going to like you.  In fact, most people probably don’t want a relationship with you.”  But that thought springs from a rather superficial approach to relationship, thinking of it primarily in terms of social encounters or a sharing of common interests.  We often fail to see that the real power of relationship has less to do with “liking” someone, and everything to do with the concept of “Integration”!

One of the definitions of integration is “The act or process of making whole or entire.” (thank-you Wiktionary).  I’m intrigued by that notion, since the implication is that without this condition something essential is lacking.  But to truly understand the power of integration I think that we need to consider what that wholeness or entirety really looks like.  I’ve worked with groups who lay claim to the concept of integration, but seemingly fail to accept that the “whole” that they are striving for may be bigger than just themselves; businesses who focus on their own posture ahead of integrating with a larger effort of growing into a whole and healthy community; mission agencies who voice a desire to partner but do so only as it serves their own mission;  individuals who see their own daily quest as satisfying their personal needs rather than those of a neighbor.

 You see, I believe that the mystery to found in integration is that the pursuit of it must be focused on benefiting another, even ahead ourselves.  We have each been given something from God that another person desperately needs.  Our charge in life is to find out what that gift, talent or resource is, and then to direct it to that individual, without thought to how it might ultimately benefit ourselves.

Yes, I was greatly influenced by the radical nature of the 1960’s.  But I’m even more greatly influenced by the message that Jesus gave to us.  He spoke of the need to see ourselves as only a part of the greater whole, which ultimately becomes His Body on earth (and beyond).  “Come on people now, smile on your brother and sister…” and develop a desire to “one another”!

Being Above Doing...

I'm often asked what it is that we really hope to accomplish in our ministry to the impoverished people of McCreary County, Kentucky.  I think that the following excerpt from a recent letter to our financial supporters helps to clarify that point:

"As I walked into our Pine Knot ministry center, a few days back, I was greeted by the beaming face of one of our previous volunteer workers.  Haley had been a part of our team for a number of months, satisfying the community service hours that she needed in order to receive her KTAP (welfare) check for her two young children.  She left us to accept a full-time job offer and her departure was most bitter sweet for us; happy for her employment but sad to lose the opportunity for daily fellowship with her.  After a few minutes of catching up on her life experiences, I asked Haley why she chose to help us again this day.  She smiled and spoke of a desire to help “one another” her needful neighbors, but slowly her face became quite serious.  “Since I’ve left,” she nearly whispered, “I’ve missed the undeniable PEACE that I feel when I’m here.”

"When people first find themselves drawn to our center, they usually wander about the clothing shop, perusing the items but also absorbing the environment.  Many times, upon discerning our pastoral influence, they will ask me, “So where’s your church?”  I smile, draw my hand across those who are walking between the clothing racks and respond, “There they are!”  At first glance folks don’t see “a church” when they come to one of our ministry centers.  There is no vestibule or foyer to mingle in before a “service”; no swinging doors leading to an assembly room; no benches or chairs lined up to face a central point on an elevated platform.  It isn’t until visitors begin to interact with our staff and other visitors that they begin to “feel church”.  They hear conversations, not of local gossip but of recognition of the Love of God in our lives.  The look of concern which their faces often carry begins to relax into a gentle smile.  As people are drawn into sharing some of their personal struggles, they find a compassionate and concerned response, not indifference, or worse, judgement.  I’m often amazed that people can linger in our clothing centers for an hour or more, not because they are unable to find a needed item, but because they simply experience a sense of “peace” that so often alludes them through their day.

"Your financial gift continues to help us to “be church” among some very needy people.  Our gatherings are not based on a prescribed liturgy or an order of worship.  They are spontaneous encounters with people who are desperate to know the Peace of Christ, even if they haven’t realized that need yet!

"Thanking you for helping us to “grow” people into Church…"

I'm Offended!

That seems to be the trend today, doesn’t it?  Everybody is offended by something.  From Civil War flags to images of rainbows, folks express the offense that they feel, and it’s never been easier to do so.  Social media allows us to voice our feelings to a multitude of people in a single mouse click.  Thanks (?) to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other such platforms, we can shout out to the world of our aggravation.

While I’m not often considered a “trendy guy”, I must tell you that I am also offended (so I guess that makes me trendy, huh?) and I want to share that with you.  What is it that ticks me off?  Poverty!

I know that may sound strange coming from a man who has dedicated his life to helping the poor, but allow me to explain, if only a little.  I’m not offended by poor people; not in the least.  I AM deeply offended by the “power of poverty”.  I work with people every day who see themselves as being marginalized in society; folks who no longer seem able to grasp the notion that God created them for a prosperous inter-related life of caring for themselves and each other.  I’m grieved whenever I sit with needful souls who see themselves bound to government programs and humanitarian assistance.  Receiving such aid is not as troubling to me as the way in which it seems to strip away any notion that a reciprocal condition must emerge.  Many (if not most) folks take… with little thought to giving back.  The power of poverty causes people to become blind to the part that they are called to play in 

remedying poverty for others.

This past summer I conducted an “experiment” in the area of reciprocal living.  After listening to scores of people talk about the gardens they were planting, I placed a table on the front porch of our ministry center and invited the hundreds of folks, who come to receive free clothing from us, to share of their harvest with their neighbors who could not care for a plot of their own.  I hung posters announcing the initiative, passed out flyers, and (yes) even posted on Facebook.  I “seeded” the table with produce from my own garden, purchasing fresh veggies at our local Farmers Market.  The response was sadly predictable.  Only one other person ever dropped anything on the table, and that contribution was a container of greens which they had purchased at Kroger.

I’m not offended that the people who derive great benefit from our Community Closets didn’t seize my vision for “taking care of one another”.  But I am VERY offended by the Dark Power of Poverty that seems to have such a tight grip on so many wonderful people.  I don’t think that any of us could do much better than to awake each new day with one thought on our minds; “What can I do today to make a positive difference in the life of someone else in need?”

Memorial Day

As a young boy, I considered Memorial Day as the point in time when the arrival of the summer season was imminent, freeing me from the grip of another Chicago winter… and very soon the drudgery of a school-year.  In my northern home this holiday had a distinctive military flare; a time when folks would acknowledge the sacrifice- often the ultimate one- made in protecting the liberty which we so often take for granted.  As a military man (the Marines don’t have a monopoly on the concept of life-long commitment to a cause) I deeply appreciate devoting a day to pondering the depth of this sacrifice which so many dedicated men and women were willing to make.

But I think that my family in the hills and hollers of the Appalachians may have a better grasp of what Memorial Day needs to be.  As I drive through the countryside this weekend I am assured of seeing the myriad little cemeteries and burial plots on the numerous hillsides teaming with activity, as family and friends gather on this Decoration Day to “honor” their deceased loved ones.  Richly colored flowers will be tenderly placed on graves, prayers of thanksgiving will be offered, hymns will be sung, and meals will be shared.  This time of fellowship will often continue for the entire day.  When I first arrived in the hills and witnessed this event unfolding, I had mistakenly believed that the assembled masses must be a people who were unable to adequately cope with the grief of losing a loved-one to death.  But I have come to understand that, in reality, they are actually celebrating the impact which the lives of those who are no longer physically present have had in their own lives.  These congregants are engaged in something which seems to be evaporating in our current world; the acts of honor and respect!

Unlike the Viet Nam era, when I was a soldier, it has rightfully become “in vogue” to show appreciation to those who willingly devote their lives to the many tasks which are necessary to protect and secure our freedom.   We do well to recognize soldiers, police officers, firefighters, and other first-responders who are compelled by a sense of duty to something greater than themselves.  But have we remembered to reserve some level of honor and respect for those less visible, but no less devoted people who have also sacrificed a great amount of themselves for our sake?  You might say, “Memorial Day is about the total sacrifice of life, and we shouldn’t diminish that by watering down the concept.”  I agree, but what troubles me is that we have become so needful of having “larger than life” targets for our tokens of appreciation that the thought of sustaining a sense of respect for others, whom God has also brought into our lives for our welfare, simply fades into obscurity.  We salute the Marine who stormed the shores of some distant land to insure our liberty, but tend to forget the sacrifices of equally devoted mothers and fathers, and others, who may have given up their own dreams and aspirations- sacrificed their lives- for our sake.

I’d like to suggest that, as we reflect on the sacrifice of life which so many have made for us, that we broaden that concept, just a little, and also celebrate the lives of others who may have held the same depth of devotion, deep within their hearts, that our acknowledged “heroes” seem to have possessed.  As for me, I’m joining my Appalachian family in honoring and respecting the seemingly frustrating devotion which my father and mother held for protecting my welfare.  Thank you, my beloved parents, for sacrificing so much for me.  I’ve grown to respect and honor you both, from the depths of my heart!

Memorial Day is truly a time to remember the depth of all sacrifice… “even to death on a cross”!