Oh Sweet Caldwell,
This is Bailey writing on your screen. I have been trusted to share some more words with you here. I hope that as you read these blog posts week to week, you create the time to be radically present with yourself and with the words. Five minutes of focus to just read.
This summer, the Gambrell Social Justice Interns have been encouraged to consider and live out a summer of encounter. As we have all been placed at various ministry sites, it was known we would have an array of encounters. Encounter, as explained to us, which means: counter to + in front of. This definition is important because it has aided us to be intentional in our approach to our respective areas of work.
Now, I could share countless stories of encounter from my summer, but I would like to share one that is so simple yet still profound. During my time at Refugee Support Services, I sometimes work with the children who come through the center. They too are refugees who have experienced realities and trauma very foreign to me. One day, as I was playing with the older kids, I came across Ciim. Ciim is a young girl who is known for not audibly speaking. Typically she is simply referred to as “the shy one.” On this day, Ciim was attempting to play a card game with the older boys. She had clearly never played UNO before, and the frustration among the boys grew as they asked me to assist her. So, I attempted to explain the game in simple English and further encouraged her participation.
After a while, Ciim was still not picking up on the game, and I realized my method had failed. It was not until I sat on the ground and became eye-level with Ciim, that communication was possible. Instead of talking at her, I talked to her. There is something to be said about looking someone in the eye when speaking, as opposed to looking up at them as they are speaking down to you. Ciim and I never actually had a verbal conversation, but once I was able to counter to, and be in front of Ciim, we were finally able to play the game of UNO.
I believe that sometimes encounter is just as simple as my interaction with Ciim. We found a mutual ground, saw each other on equal terms, and then we sat together with reasonable expectations on how to move forward. Encountering others can simply present itself by seeing others on their own terms.
With this in mind, I think encountering others draws parallels with showing compassion. These things that don’t ask us to fix everything or feel sorry for others, but by being eye-level with those even when it is difficult. This Wednesday at SNAC, based on how we now understand who is a part of our community, we will be discussing what it means to show compassion. I encourage you to come with open hearts and open minds as it will be a time for sharing, for listening, and for loving. See you all soon!
In Peace,
Bailey Morton
FYI – This summer’s second gathering for SNAC – Summer Nights at Caldwell – is tomorrow, Wednesday, July 17th, at 6 pm. There will be salad and tacos for dinner – and pie for dessert. Yes, friends, it’s Pie Night. You are invited to bring a topping for salad and/or tacos, as well as your favorite pie. Whether or not you bring something to eat, please plan to join us in Belk Hall to continue the discussion on what it means to be a compassionate community.