Together We Rise!

Spoken word, crafted on the spot at our annual retreat by Michael Guinn, from CitySquare staff's single word descriptions  of the CitySquare experience over the past 18 months!  "Amazing" was my word.  Look for it below!

Together We Rise by Michael Guinn

 

Its been 1 year, 5 months, 20 days since we’ve had to pivot.

But there is no stopwatch that can clock the hours of unwavering dedication to our neighbors and to each other.

During this time. We’ve been the epitome of social philanthropy. Proud curators of collaboration through chaos. Undaunted and fearless warriors on the front lines whose endurance and determination has provided an indestructible display of teamwork.

Together we have risen, relentlessly reliable and persistently resilient. Brilliant in our chase to provide supportive services so that our families gratefully receive intense case management and resources no matter the circumstance. 

We didn’t let stress get the best of us. Instead in one another we learned to share and trust.

We became tenacious in the face of this pandemic via powerful partnerships and a diligent delivery of services that even covid couldn’t mask. 

So here’s to you CitySquarians. Because of you.. hope becomes the music of the moment for our homeless who hunger less. Because of your strength and creativity in serving the community, we’ve been able to push forward this narrative of normalcy no matter how tired we be. See its been exhausting. And You’ve had to socially self-care, privately self-love while selflessly going beyond and above.  

But because of your flexibility and humility, and your heartfelt steadfast impressive one of a kind abilities. Our neighbors continue to see equity in their proximity. 

Because of you, Poverty’s notoriety in our society gives way to a social sobriety that drives us to a new high.. ya see..

You are amazing. We Salute you.  Its been 1 year, 5 months, 20 days since we’ve had to pivot.  But your hearts are the reason why… Together We Rise…

Practical, Healthy Outcomes for Our Neighbors. . .

The following post comes from one of our Case Managers at the Cottages (CitySquare's "tiny homes" community):  

 

There is a neighbor at The Cottages who for the last several months, if not years, has been struggling with medication and mental health management. One day, I was trying to brainstorm ways to assist her with taking her medications so that she could get back to baseline, when I noticed that the majority of her psych medications had instructions on the bottle to “take at night.”

Because there are no staff on property at night, it made it difficult to help this neighbor with taking her medications at night.

During one of this neighbor’s phone visits with her psychiatrist, I asked her permission to sit on the phone call and speak with her doctor. She granted me permission and I asked the psychiatrist if this neighbor absolutely had to take certain medications at night or if there was a possibility she could take them in the morning. As it turns out, she can actually take all but one of the medications in the morning. 

After this conversation, I was connected with the neighbor’s Metrocare case manager who was able to provide me with a med minder. With the neighbor’s permission, we can assist her with organizing and managing her medications and can bring her the medications in the morning. And, if we are not able to, her home health aide can assist her in reminding her to take her medications.

After a month and a half of this, the neighbor has now ceased to sporadically cry; she has less and less episodes of anger and she is able to have a competent conversation about her own wellbeing.

We really are better together. We cannot do things alone. When we work together, we elevate the situations of our neighbors and even ourselves sometimes. Together, we rise!

What I know for sure. . .

Certainty turns out to be largely elusive in these times.  

But, not completely.  Values--bedrock, non-negotiable, pre-selected--values offer us reasonable certainty on how life ought to be lived.  

So, here is what I know for sure near the conclusion of our recent political convulsions:

• People must be honored, loved, valued--all people.
• Children must be cared for, loved and supported in families.
• Parents must be supported in their responsibilities to their little ones.
• Children must never be separated from their parents.
• A nation as wealthy as this one must take seriously its responsibilities to its citizens and those who seek to be citizens.
• A nation without fair, just, clear policies regarding immigrants and their desire to become a part of the nation lacks integrity, and is not living up to the values that created and sustain this nation of immigrants.
• Black lives matter.  
• Due process trumps police brutality.  
• Protest provokes progress.  
• Prolife is a much broader life philosophy than pro-birth.
• No one should know hunger.  
• Food scarcity and food deserts should be banned outright. 
• Economic opportunity should never be denied or segregated.. 
• Health care is a human right.  This nation should see that every man, woman and child receives such care.
• Public health is more than an idea, it is a practice.  
• Pandemic infections call for public leadership, honesty and sacrifice.
• Adequate, decent, affordable housing is a basic human right.
• Work is sacred.  Everyone who works should be paid a living wage.  No one who works full-time should fall into poverty because of inadequate pay.  
• Education is a human right and should be afforded to everyone at public scale.
• The earth is our home.  We should care for it, preserve it and engage it.  
• Climate change is real.  
• As a value proposition, progressive tax policy is a plus.   
• Charity is good.  Equitable investment better still.  
• Religion is not the point.  Most divisive policies find root in it. Radical love, generosity of spirit and soul is everything.  

My Beautiful Day at the DMV!

 So, yesterday, I spent almost five hours waiting for a new driver's license at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Horrible, you say?

Not so fast!

After all, the State of Texas invited to return in person to renew my permit because I had lived so long since I last renewed on line!

Beats the obvious alternative, right?

But, I have to be honest.  The first 90 minutes in that space drove me crazy.  Waiting on a terribly uncomfortable chair as a recorded voice barked out numbers in the queue.  As the announced numbers droned on, I could calculate my wait time, and my reality was not pretty!

Then, something snapped for me.

The people.

The way beyond beauty of that crowded room slapped me in the face.

Old.

Young.

Grandparents and children.

Eager teens.

Working people.

Unemployed.

Professionals.

White.

Black.

Brown.

Every human hue.

Every ethnicity.

So many nationalities, I felt like I was in the middle of Pentecost!  That's right!  If you want to experience modern day Pentecost, go spend a day in the DMV!  You'll have it right there in your face!

I watched as community formed before my eyes as we shared our common plight.  People actually started talking to one another.  Sharing.  Encouraging.  Even, laughing!

People helped each other.  People began to identify with the place, and their presence and position in it.

I saw the hope of the nation displayed in the lives assembled at random in that room.

The USA's power is found in its diversity.  Who would choose uniformity over the richness of our national mixture?

Its hope discovered in how we take care of one another.

Our peace will be unearthed together, never apart.

I say go to the DMV.

You'll find your people waiting for you there!

And who knows. Pentecost might just break out!

Richardson, Texas, circa 1955--my hometown!

 

I spent many a Saturday afternoon in the old Ritz theater right there on Main Street in "downtown" Richardson, Texas!  The center of town back then didn't enjoy the benefit of paved streets. 

 

The population wasn't over 2,000, when someone snapped this photo.

 

Everyone knew everyone. 

 

My dad served as City Secretary at the time.  City Hall was a white frame building that co-located with water utilities, police and fire departments. 

 

It was a different time, for sure!  

Explore my world!

Take a moment to explore my world!  

Click here.

“True integration,” as Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “will be achieved by true neighbors who are willingly obedient to unenforceable obligations.”

Intersections

Someone once observed "that the kitchen is the heart of any home, but the porch is its soul."  
I get that.

I've spent a good deal of time thinking about porches lately.

As I've reported previously, every Thursday that I'm in town, I sit on the porch of an old, abandoned house on Malcolm X Boulevard.  I try to bring an ice chest of bottled water to share with passersby, as well as those who choose to stop and sit a while for a visit.

Almost all of the people I meet on this porch live on the streets of Dallas.  Almost all are extremely poor.  Most face challenges that I can't begin to comprehend.  But we have a grand time.

Recently, I sat on another porch that appeared quite different.

This second porch attached itself to a beautiful lodge nestled beside the White River outside Harrison, Arkansas.  Six of us, some acquainted and some not, made the trip to fly fish and enjoy the beauty of the river and its environs.

What a trip!  And we caught lots and lots of trout!

Every evening before enjoying a great meal prepared for us by the lodge owners, we would retreat to the back porch to visit and recount the day's fishing adventure.

After dinner, we migrated back to the porch to look at the stars, listen to the river, enjoy a night cap and visit some more.

On the surface these two porches would appear to have nothing whatsoever in common.

Abandoned, old, decaying house with porch to match versus the luxury and comfort of a well-maintained lodge home with open air, covered porch.

Beneath the surface where things happen that really matter, the two porches share so much in common.

On each porch, men sit and talk and laugh and enjoy each other's company.

On each porch, men reflect on family, finances, dreams, experiences and life.

On both porches, men really connect.

On both porches, men envision a better life, discuss hopes and dreams, recall setbacks and laugh about some truly stupid mistakes.

On both, a group of men enjoy fellowship, community, mutual support.

On each porch things happen, things verbalized that build up and nurture self-worth and value.

As I reflect, the amazing thing to me is just how similar the two "porch experiences" really are.

Here's the challenge:  how do I get the lives of the people hanging out on these two porches to intersect?

I know in my gut that such gatherings, especially if they were frequent, would transform the participants and, even more, our community.

Hmmm.  Maybe we need to plan a fishing trip!

Guess who's coming to "A Night to Remember" in 2009???

Every year Central Dallas Ministries hosts a giant community celebration at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center located in the Downtown Arts District.

It is always a big deal and lots of fun.

Past performers include Bill Cosby, B. B. King, Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Vince Gill, LeAnn Rimes, and Clint Black.

Guess who's coming this year on Tuesday, October 27, 2009?

Check it out. . .





More details soon.

Hope you can come!

Re:Vision Dallas Update

Take a moment to check out the video update on the Central Dallas Community Development Corporation's (CDCDC) Re: Vision Dallas project that would entail the sustainable redevelopment of the entire city block immediately behind Dallas City Hall.



Then, while you are at it, check out Charlie Gibson's report on housing in America on a recent edition of the ABC Evening News. Toward the end of the report you'll hear a mention of our project, as well as a quick image of it.



Love your reactions.

Here's to your health, friend!

We've recognized for a long time now the power and the benefit of social networks, social capital, collective efficacy and strong community connections among people. Social bonding contributes to quality of life wherever it is found. Creating such bonds among low-income neighbors is a crucial part of what we attempt to do here at Central Dallas Ministries.

A recent report ("WELL; What Are Friends For? A Longer Life," April 21, 2009) by Tara Parker-Pope in The New York Times, provided more evidence of this powerful reality.

Here's what she says:

In the quest for better health, many people turn to doctors, self-help books or herbal supplements. But they overlook a powerful weapon that could help them fight illness and depression, speed recovery, slow aging and prolong life: their friends.

Researchers are only now starting to pay attention to the importance of friendship and social networks in overall health. A 10-year Australian study found that older people with a large circle of friends were 22 percent less likely to die during the study period than those with fewer friends. A large 2007 study showed an increase of nearly 60 percent in the risk for obesity among people whose friends gained weight. And last year, Harvard researchers reported that strong social ties could promote brain health as we age.

Read Parker-Pope's entire report here.

Any stories of the healing reality of friendship and community that you'd like to share?

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Restore what?

The version of Christianity passed along to me was based on a very narrow sort of primitivism.

Growing up and on into my college and adult years, the fundamental (no pun intended here) concept behind the faith tradition of my family was "restoration." The goal was to restore in word and practice the life and teachings of the earliest Christian communities. We wanted to be "1st century Christians," never mind that we found ourselves in the midst of the tumultuous twentieth century, a fact that we seemed to work hard to ignore.

As I slowly began to awaken to a larger view of my faith, it became clear that both our understandings of the earliest Christians and our selection of just which words and practices to restore needed serious reconsideration.

For example, I grew up convinced that instrumental music in worship was a heinous sin worthy of eternal damnation! Our list of practices, terms and methods to be "restored" was set out very clearly and in terms that made it easy to pass along to others. And, did we ever try! The "five steps to salvation," the proper organization of the church, the correct terms for labeling church leaders, the frequency of celebrating the Lord's Supper, the strict avoidance of the historic creeds of orthodoxy (afterall, the earliest believers had no such statements), refusal even to pray the Lord's Prayer since it was a prayer from the Mosaic dispensation (never mind who first offered the prayer!). . .the list went on.

I remember working my way through a book written by a famous preacher from a generation before mine. "Why I am a member of [my denomination]." We worked our way through that book again and again. I remember as a young minister in training that I led my country congregation through the book. Reflecting on that experience, I think it was then that the sharp turn in my own view began to become clear. Internally, the book's title changed slightly but significantly to "Why am I a member of my denomination?"

While the notion of restoration had much to commend it as a framing tool/principle for biblical interpretation and hermeneutics, the major challenge with the method had to do with the choices to be made as to what would be restored. The subjectivity of the entire process made for lots of really strange divisions and practices in our little corner of the Christian world.

My questions began to revolve more and more around what Jesus said and did.

The value basis of his words intrigued me greatly. Consideration of their application led me to listen to other voices outside my heritage. And, Jesus led me to rethink my approach to the Bible in general.

Not surprisingly, I found the same values expressed in the Hebrew Bible, values that clearly under girded those of Jesus. I remember vividly when it hit me that Jesus was executed for his value statements and for what they meant regarding how he and his followers treated others. It became clear that his values and actions, his lifestyle and sacrifices charted a course that made lots of sense in a world of pain, need, war, division and injustice like mine.

I suppose I'll never completely escape the interpretive paradigm of my youth. So, for me the question will remain, "Restore what?"

How about this for a start?

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat,

I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,

I was a stranger and you invited me in,

I needed clothes and you clothed me,

I was sick and you looked after me,

I was in prison and you came to visit me."

Here it appears to me that we hit upon the restoration of people and our world.

What's your story?
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Check out our latest e-magazine. . .

Take a moment for an inside reality tour of Central Dallas Ministries here.

Hunger, health, housing and hope--all these mission targets focus our work.

Reactions welcome!

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More on Torture: Interesting interview on PBS

My good friend, Shaun Casey, professor of religion at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, participated in a conversation on PBS earlier this week. The lively conversation can be found here.

Torture and Faith: Go Figure

So, now come the results of the new Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life poll about the relationship between faith/faith practice and one's attitude toward torture.

Facts about the research:

742 American adults surveyed on use of torture against suspected terrorists

54 percent of those who go to religious services at least weekly say it's often or sometimes acceptable

People unaffiliated with any religious group were least likely to back torture

The report:

The more often Americans go to church, the more likely they are to support the torture of suspected terrorists, according to a new survey.

More than half of people who attend services at least once a week -- 54 percent -- said the use of torture against suspected terrorists is "often" or "sometimes" justified. Only 42 percent of people who "seldom or never" go to services agreed, according to the analysis released Wednesday by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life.

White evangelical Protestants were the religious group most likely to say torture is often or sometimes justified -- more than six in 10 supported it. People unaffiliated with any religious organization were least likely to back it. Only four in 10 of them did.

Reminds me of the attitudes and reactions I grew up hearing in my home church in regard to issues related to civil rights, racial prejudice, war and other opportunities for hate-speech and hatred.

Read full article »

Lots to think about here. Like to hear your reaction.

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Don't rely on appearances!

By now I bet you've seen Susan Boyle's performance on Britans Got Talent last Saturday evening.

The judges, the audience, everyone was literally blown away by this Scottish woman's vocal ability.

Why?

Everyone pre-judged her based on her appearance. No one expected anything from her. Everyone dismissed her with laughs and cat-calls.

We do it all the time, don't we?

We do it on the basis of class, race, looks, body size. . .the list goes on and on.

Shame on us all for not assuming the very best of each other and everyone we meet.

Thanks, Susan Boyle. We all needed what you delivered. Forgive us.

Forgive us, Lord for not believing in those things you've placed in us all.

Watch Susan again right here.

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Sharin'

From John Steinbeck's, The Grapes of Wrath (page 49)--a conversation between Jim Casy and Muley Graves:

“You sharin’ with us, Muley Graves?”

Muley fidgeted in embarrassment. “I ain’t got no choice in the matter.”

He stopped on the ungracious sound of his words.

“That ain’t like I mean it. That ain’t. I mean” – he stumbled – “what I mean, if a fella’s got somepin to eat an’ another fella’s hungry – why, the first fella ain’t got no choice.”

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Things that make you go hmmmm. . .

Did you catch Rep. Betty Brown's suggestion during the Elections Committee hearing in the Texas House of Representatives last week?

When confronted with witness testimony on the problems Chinese-American Texans currently face at the polls and the increased difficulties they could expect to encounter under a voter ID law now being debated, Rep. Brown said, "Rather than everyone here having to learn Chinese - I understand it's a rather difficult language - do you think that it would behoove you and your citizens to adopt a name that we could deal with more readily here?"

Media outlets across the country have picked up on this story, Asian American groups have spoken out against her and still, Rep. Brown continues to stand by her statement.

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Andrew Sullivan's Daily Dish quotes from the U. S. Senate ratified Treaty of Tripoli (1796-1797).

Interesting stuff.

Here are a few lines from Article 11 of the treaty:

As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility, of Mussulmen; and, as the said States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.

Check out Sullivan's post here.

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Quote without comment: It is important for you to control your own drawbridge. There must be times when you keep your bridge drawn and have the opportunity to be alone or only with those to whom you feel close. Never allow yourself to become public property, where anyone can walk in and out at will. You might think that you are being generous in giving access to anyone who wants to enter or leave, but you will soon find yourself losing your soul. - Henri Nouwen (as posted by my good friend, Mike Cope)

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Starbucks, Sidewalks and "I'm Full Blown"

Our neighborhood has a Starbucks.

It took the place of a chain hot-dog shop a couple of years ago.

I suppose market analysis revealed that the corner of Gaston and Haskell sat in the midst of enough coffee addicts to sustain business in this curious little East Dallas shop.

I'll confess, I'm really proud it's here. For a number of reasons. First, I love coffee and, even more, coffee shops that encourage sitting, thinking, quiet or talking. Second, the economic development results in jobs and positive movement in the neighborhood. Third, it's just down the street, about four blocks from my office on Haskell. Access is almost always a good thing when it comes to positive places.

Today in Dallas turned off bright, clear and not too warm. So, I decided to leave the car parked. I walked to get a sandwich and a cup of hot Java!

Every time I walk in this neighborhood I realize that I should walk a lot more often. Sure, it's a good thing for my heart, etc. But, it's also good for my other heart, for my understanding and for maintaining some adequate vision of reality. Real easy to become shut off from what is "out there," don't you think?

As I'm walking up Haskell, I hook up with my buddy Charles who operates a detail business of sorts from our property. He rides the bus and/or DART line to our building most mornings, washes cars until he is out of energy or customers, whichever comes first, and then rides back home. Today he decided to call it quits just as I was going for a sandwich.

Charles and I enjoy the leisurely stroll up the sidewalk--he on his way to the bus stop, me on my way to a snack. I love this man. He's been working with us for almost 15 years. I consider him a good friend.

He tells me about his 88-year-old father who lives in Alexandria, Louisiana where he tends a big garden. We begin to share "growing up fresh vegetable" stories from past spring and summer crop yields! Nothing like country cooking, we agree.

Charles bids me adieu as he crosses the street to the bus. I continue on to Starbucks.

As I reach the back of Criswell College, I notice a stairwell that I've passed thousands of times. I'm remembering seeing lots of homeless people "camped out" on those steps that today are empty. . .or, so I thought.

Coming to the other side of the dual entrance staircase, I spot a man standing against the wall not looking in too good a shape. As I glance to my left, I see all of his belongings on the steps.

"Hello," I say to the gentleman, an extremely thin man as he rubs his face as if in pain.

"Hello," he replies.

As I walk on toward my intended destination, he calls out to me.

"Sir! Excuse me, sir!" he half shouts.

"Yes," I reply, turning around to move back toward him.

"Could you buy me some orange juice, please?" he asks.

As we handle the funding issues related to 7-Eleven O.J., he tells me that he stays on the street.

I tell him about our apartments out North, informing him that there are few requirements to this opportunity. One being disability.

He immediately nods his head in the affirmative.

"Sir, I'll be honest with you," he says. "I'm full-blown."

"Full blown"--a phrase I haven't heard in a while.

"Full blown," as in HIV/AIDS.

On the street, withering, dying, thirsty, hungry, on these steps, the steps of a Christian Bible college and in my neighborhood.

I explain the housing options and ask about his health care.

"Oh, sir," he speaks with eagerness, "Yes, my doctor is over here at Baylor. He's been my doctor for 11 years. I don't mean any disrespect, but he is white. I love him like a father."

"No disrespect in any of that," I assure him.

Did I mention that his name is Michael, this new friend of mine?

We talked a bit more. I shared my card and encouraged him to walk down to the Haskell building and inquire about an apartment. He promised that he would.

Walking back after my visit to Starbucks with a sandwich in my stomach and a coffee in my hand, I see Michael across the street drinking his O. J.

I hope to see him again.

One thing is certain.

I've got to start walking around more often.

Matt Martinez, Jr. dies: Sad day for Dallas and all of Texas

Anyone familiar with East Dallas, knew Matt Martinez, Jr., owner of Matt's Rancho Martinez. You can read the interesting and amazing story of Matt's life below from Sunday's edition of The Dallas Morning News.

Matt's is a regular gathering place for our family and for numbers of our friends and associates. Going to Matt's is sort of like going to a really wonderful "family" place. When Matt was in the house, he'd come by and visit witih you, tell a story or two and thank you for coming in.

Matt provided a favorite "watering hole" for a number of the gunslingers with whom I often find myself hanging out.

I'll never forget the night we closed on 511 N. Akard. We met a crew from the Central Dallas CDC to celebrate at Matt's--where else? We've planned just about every aspect of our Community Health Services around a table at Matt's.

He will be missed so much.

Rest in peace, Matt. You delivered joy, relaxing space, great food and laughter to lots and lots of us. We're all grateful.

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Tex-Mex restaurateur Matt Martinez Jr. dies at 63
12:18 AM CDT on Sunday, March 15, 2009
By ERIC AASEN and JOE SIMNACHER / The Dallas Morning News

Matt Martinez Jr., the colorful and charismatic restaurateur who injected his own culinary flair into his family's Tex-Mex legacy, died Friday night of complications from cancer. He was 63.
In Dallas, Mr. Martinez was best known for his Matt's Rancho Martinez, a popular Lakewood eatery.

[Read more here.]

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