In the Life - Rev. Matthew Cockrum

“You can’t be neutral on a moving train.” - Howard Zinn

What kind of community do you want to be a part of? - Matthew Cockrum

I live fairly close to LDS Hospital in the Avenues. On a recent morning walk through the neighborhood with my dog I came across a woman slumped in a heap on a street corner. My thoughts went something like this:

“Careful. She might be dangerous.”
“Who knows how my dog might react if she moves suddenly.”
“She’s probably just fine...sleeping there.”
“You should really do something. You’re a minister for goodness sake!”

Mindful of all these voices, I crossed the street and slowed down, keeping an eye on her to see if she moved, indicated any distress or wellness.

As I watched she slowly arose, groaning and saying, “Ouch. Ouch!” until she gained her feet and stood, wobbly, on the corner. I noticed a hospital band on her wrist and decided she must have been recently discharged. “Maybe she’s waiting for a bus.” I said to myself, to make myself feel better.

I continued walking homeward, glancing back to find the woman still standing, wavering a bit on her feet.

“Good morning!” a man called to me upon walking out the door of the duplex just a half a block away from the wavering woman.

“Good morning!” I called back cheerfully, purposing to get back home and get to work.

This, I realize, is the reality of the world we live in - politically, socially, emotionally. I am...we are...part of this web of needs and values, hopes and drives...working toward safety and justice, ideals and earthy practicalities.

As we enter these last weeks of summer and move toward the resumption of autumnal schedules at school and church and politics and elections, violence and unrest...what kinds of communities will we create and realize together? How will they reflect both our deepest aspirations and our truest most honest selves.

How will you give yourself to this world, so in need of you?

Here’s to The Work, Friends.
Peace, Faith & Passion,
Matthew

P.S. I'll be out of the office for a training 8/13-20 and will be back on Sunday, 8/21