passionate action

I finished reading Barack Obama's book, The Audacity of Hope, this morning. I bought it last minute while killing time at LAX on my return trip home from Seattle and I've whizzed through it. Pretty impressive for someone who hasn't finished a book since... I don't know when!

I've always known he was not just a brilliant orator but an eloquent and articulate writer as well, having read his first novel a year or so ago. But this book in particular has got me thinking quite a lot... It's got me examining my point of view on certain issues in an attempt to articular where I stand exactly. Because I've always had an appreciation for the complex nature of these 'big' issues I've been hesitant to take a stand -- or at least waiting until I felt more conviction. Now I think I'm beginning to do so.

I guess if I were an American citizen with a vote (which I am not) I would consider myself a democrat. And, on some level, I've always felt maybe that was "wrong" because I know the common "default" choice for Christians in the States is the GOP -- one is so often hearing stories of those on the conservative right crying out on certain issues. And I guess there are some issues on which I take a more conservative stance and others a more liberal stance. But ultimately, why I would consider myself a democrat is because I believe that government can and should (carefully and thoughtfully)intervene when there is so much inequality within society, especially when it comes to things like health-care and education. As a New Zealand citizen, it's my policy never to complain about taxes because I know that so much of what I take for granted -- the public health care system, student allowance/loan, the beautiful parks and roads and services I so often enjoy -- is where that money goes and I'm okay with it. In addition I believe those of us who are blessed and, for whatever reason, fortunate enough to have more than enough should help those on the opposite end of the spectrum. And I'm okay with that too. Sure it was more than a little painful when I was working part-time at the hospital lab and so much of my paycheck went straight to taxes, and I know that this feeling will only increase as I progress in my professional career, but what's the alternative?? A country where it's every man for himself, full stop? Where, yes I may pay less taxes but therefore have to worry about private insurance for everything imaginable, living in fear of what might happen? A country where those not fortunate enough so often disproportionately suffer to make ends meet? A country like... the US? No thank you, sir. No thank you, indeed.

I'm starting to think that that's where my passion lies -- the cause I can see myself championing for in the future. Inequality, impoverishment, social injustice. I think looking out for those who are suffering is and should be at the very heart of Faith. "... But in humility consider others better than yourself," "Love your neighbour as you love yourself...." I know I am in no position to judge my brothers and sisters in Christ because I too fall short and sin on so many levels, but I think one of the most important things for us as Christ followers to do is champion for those who are suffering. Actions speak louder than words; love cannot just be professed but rather it has to be seen; we must share the gospel always, and when necessary use words. I find it frustrating that so often those who are at the forefront of such passionate action in the world are actually not Christians, that so often Christians are preoccupied with everything else but those who are suffering. We get so busy thinking of ourselves, our loved-ones, our lives, and when we do think of others it's so often in judgement, jealously, selfishness... I am not excluded in this. And I think we can, and should do better than this. I think I can, and should, do better than this. I hope to do better than this. I hope...