...Oh let me ne're forget, that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet...

Right now the wrong that is seeming so strong is not active, oppressive evil--as it often is--but rather seemingly insurmountable brokenness all around me. Been thinking very programmatically about development lately, or really about development as a means of poverty alleviation. And really, poverty alleviation as a cure for brokenness, and brokenness as a result of the fall. Doesn't work though, poverty (a relative term) is in itself a symptom of a greater problem, one that I can in no way solve. Without Christ, there is no hope, there is no help, and there is no salvation.

Editor's Note:

Ok, so before I continue...and I may not...Can I just say that God is at work! Incredible. As I continue to wrestle through all this:
- I am given a house to live in, in a neighborhood of image bearers, with a friend who has a similar vision for loving people.
- "When Helping Hurts" is a recurring them among people I dialogue with on this...
- JR Caines at East Ridge Pres preached on this very thing today, and DJ told me about it. (Read his sermon here.
- I've had some really challenging conversations with a number of people I respect, and I know of a few more who I will have the opportunity to dialogue with in the near future...
- I visited a church which I really liked, and can't wait to visit again--and they have a small group in my new neighborhood!
- Talked with Dad at length about some of my frustrations, and as always, he was able to give me some good insight and bring it all back to Jesus.
- I'll have to opportunity to explore this, in some fashion, at work--which will be quite the challenge, and will really test a lot of what I hold dear. Usually good, rarely fun.
- I'm encouraged. This stuff is well worth wrestling with, and while it seems that he didn't make me right, I know that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, and it will all make sense in due time--ideally this side of heaven. (A little explanation: I was telling dad how I was frustrated that I seem to be wired to develop programs and systems, and at the same time given a heart for the needy and brokenness all around me--it also seems that programs and systems aren't the solution, but rather relationships--and so my heart seems to be at odds with my head.)

So, dear reader (both of you), be encouraged that I am encouraged.
Thanks.
I appreciate that.