As much as I dislike giving too much attention to what is happening south of the border, I would be remiss in not commenting on the US Election. My reluctance, however, is connected to what I want to say: for many, politics has become their guiding story. People at Two Rivers have heard me opine many times that everyone is looking for a story to makes sense of their lives. There are many competing narratives from which to choose (consuming, sex, competition, etc), but currently politics has become the foundational story for many; a religion of dark fundamentalist behaviour that demonizes at the drop of a hat and finds no nuance or complexity.
Being faithfully committed to your story is important; that's the way it should be if it is your inspiration and your guide. However, I have no interest in making politics the story that defines my life and behaviour. It is a dimension of life and public responsibility which all citizens should engage, but its capricious nature, temptation to abuse of power, and constant flirtation with false witness leaves me looking for a better story.
The story that makes sense of my life is the Jesus story. The story of the God who in great love and mercy draws near and becomes our home and our peace, and who becomes the center from which all other things can be engaged. In the Jesus story, we are free to put politics, consumption, sex, competition, and any other contenders into proper perspective and usefulness.
What is your guiding story? What narrative gives your life a ground and grammar from which to live and speak? This very Jesus said that the choice is critical because it is a little bit like choosing what ground you want to build your home upon - one is sand, and the other is rock. When the storms come, you know which one will hold. GS
Watch The Goodness Project Video — Stories of Our City: Dan Evans
Dan Evans explains the work of the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition and the disconnection he has discovered in the city through his work there. He also mentions the meaningful relationships formed on the streets that often go unnoticed and speaks about several individuals fostering connection in the community.