Don't Move!

Many books I read, or attempt to read, are nothing short of meaningless.  There are no "aha" moments, no "that's awesome dude," or "WOW, imagine that!"  They are mostly just words on pages that might give some information, or story line, that really goes no where and is soon forgotten, if remembered at all.  I suppose that is why I have not seriously started writing a book--I have read too many yawners by wanna be authors who surely have talents elsewhere.  No names please, but some are very famous and have best sellers.  Why, I will never know.  Of course, some of this is all about personal taste and I guess I am somewhat finicky about who gets my time and mental energy, not too mention money.

Anyway, for me to quote extensively from a book, or to take the time to blog from it, is quite rare.  Such is the case in my blog today.  My introduction to this book came while listening to a Wayne Jacobsen podcast (www.lifestream.org).  Not much was said about this book except that TATTOOS ON THE HEART by Gregory Boyle was one of the best books out there today that speaks about grace and love.  It is a true story about a Jesuit priest who has spent most of his life working with gangs in the LA area.  That in itself seems like a real challenge for grace.

  

I have just read about a young gang member who came into "G's" office and begins to sketch his portrait.  There is no announcement about what is going on but "G" finally figures out that Danny is sketching him.  Danny keeps telling "G," "don't move."  When the sketch is done, "G" looks at it and sees an unrecognizable sketch of himself, the whole portrait is out of proportion and  Father "G" responds by merely saying, "interesting."  Danny looks up and says, "Well, whad ya spect. YA MOVED."

Here is where Boyle (Father "G) shines as an author and practical theologian.  Here is where the "Awe" moment hits, the "WOW, imagine that!"   When Danny keeps telling "G" not to move, the reflection on that simple phrase is this:  "The admonition not to move is nothing less that God's own satisfaction at the sacredness, the loveliness that's there in each one--despite what seems to be a shape that's less than perfect."

Maybe some of you didn't get that, but it blew me away, sort to speak.  God likes what He sees in us.  We don't have to be perfect for God to like what He sees!  Sure, we all need work, at least I do.  Lots of it.  But now, right now, in this moment of time, God likes what He sees because it is me! 

It is no wonder Jacobson speaks so highly of this book that tells of a God who looks at gang members and likes what He sees.  Don't move.  You are OK with me.  It is only when we sense that grace from Papa that we can move forward in our lives.  It is only then we can move from point A to B, and then to C, etc.  

No judgmental statements can move us forward.  They can only condemn us and shame us.  Grace tells us "don't move!"  I love you just the way you are--flaws and all.  Then, ironically ,we move! We move forward, and we move toward grace more and more.  That is how positive change takes place.

In a later episode a gang member has just been told by his own mother that he is garbage.  It hurts!  But years later Andres has come to terms with himself and has found grace.  He is shopping, he seems peaceful.  "G" is with him and makes this observation:  "Home sweet home in his own skin.  A man who has decided to walk in bis own footsteps.  God eternally satisfied with all his sacredness.  Andres, a temple on high, a holy of holies, right there, on aisle 5.  Don't move."

  

Awesome dude!