SO...today the City of San Francisco officially signed the final inspection papers for the Because Justice Matters Women's Center - called "The Well." YES YES Yes!!! After months of work, Ruthie Kim (BJM Director) getting calls about pipes under the floor that didn't connect with anything, termite damage and leaking bathtubs in overhead apartments.....negotiations, fixing, re-fixing...the amazing general contractor giving HOURS and hours and hours of his time at no cost....it's finally ready to happen.
and I'm here in Madison, once again wishing I could clone myself and be in two places at once.
My be-loved BJM sisters will host the opening festivities. Invite guests, donors and interested folks. And, open the doors for the first time to the beautiful women of the Tenderloin who have been waiting for this safe place full of love to become a reality.
People ask, "How does it feel to be back home in Madison?" Surreal, to be honest. Middleton is really quiet. I never realized how quiet. How warm and inviting its streets and neighborhoods are. Been to Sofra 3x and I"ve only been here a week!
It's touchingly beautiful. Plus, I'm staying with kind, generous friends who live on Lake Mendota (My Dad spoils me....you bet!) In fact, right now I'm watching the last of the sunset glow in the sky and resting with the gentle lap of lake water against the shore.
And, a few times a day, I get a sudden jolt from somewhere inside. "The women's center is opening...I need to be there!" Or, "What's happening with this woman (or that woman or....) I want to know now." I want to teleport myself there like on Star Trek.
Before I left for San Francisco, my pastor Paul Bell told me I would be changed. I wouldn't return the same person. As usual, he was right. I'm not. I'm glad for new insights and ways of seeing my life. I'm challenged to think of the impossible as possible. To start not just "asking" for Taco trucks and breakthroughs and HEALING of mental illness....but to expect it. To start to look for it like you look for a friend you know is coming. Not sure exactly when, but this trusted, beloved friend promised to come....and always keeps promises.
When I was in Madison, I often thought "I don't see how this can happen...will churches coming out of their isolation to take this city?...I don't see it, Dad." Now, I'm repenting for those thoughts. I'm sorry for giving them space in my head. I want to be willing to risk and give and fail and try again.
So, thinking about Madison. Talking with Michelle Trehey whose heart is the size of Lake Michigan. Who wants to see women on State Street be healed and loved. About Lynn Beyler who has joyfully served dinner to thousands (by now) for the past 10 years at Peace Park. About Brian and Paula Doty and the Chandler Street community....waking up every morning expecting to see God do new things. Dreaming of change and love. Looking to build bridges of vision and relationship.
Of course, I think about Lilada Gee - a woman who doesn't seem to know the meaning of the word impossible. She has a house for teen, single, African-American mothers.
I'm longing to see the Body of Christ come alongside people like these - and others.
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