I heard once that in war all plans seem perfect until the first shot is fired. I think this holds true in peacemaking efforts and any other planned approach that falls between war and peace. So, before establishing a formalized plan to better understand the impacts of ARC on me, I decided to take a “random” action step. The rebel in me is always seeking to cheat the system!

Last week, as we discussed the need to unpack how ARC has impacted us, Jer mentioned his plans to travel to Bend for the Guns to Gardens event at Antioch church. As soon as he mentioned it I felt a stir. At first I dismissed it cause I always feel stirred when Jer tells a story or gardens are mentioned. Both happening conjunctively was very understandable. Still, the more we moved on, the more my heart stuck. I looked up the event, discovered it ran from 9-Noon on Saturday. That gave me plenty of time to get there, get home, and still make my son’s soccer game and graduation festivities at George Fox. The stirring continued and then fear found me.

What if things go sideways? I have a wife and 4 children (well, one’s an adult now) who depend on me. Is this a responsible use of my time, traveling for over 5 hrs just for a 3 hr event? What good will it truly do for me to show up? Others are already planning to manage the event so am I even needed? – Logic and Reason love to quench the Spirit.

Then I thought of Katie Calvert. She’s part of this Journey of Hope cohort to which I belong. She has children. She takes risks for peace. She is standing up in the face of ARC and pursuing peace within herself and her community. I want to be like that. Her model of bravery spurred me toward action.

I showed up. No protesters did. Without the distraction of protest, I was able to watch and observe as citizens of good will served others. I learned through experience how the Kindom of God described in Isaiah back in the 700s B.C. is being manifested in 21st century! Turns out my purpose wasn’t to serve but to learn. So, my journey of understanding how ARC has impacted my faith and leadership has begun and I don’t even have a plan yet!

I think I will continue this path of engagement and exploration. Not so much a cognitive study to create a plan but more of a risk-taking experiential trip into opportunities I could easily ignore or dismiss as a comfortable, middle-aged, white male. Next up, I’m gonna volunteer to drive the bus for the refugee families that attend our church. I’ve had the flier for several weeks and done nothing with it. Time to take the next risk.