We walked into the apartment and the air was thick and stood still. Everyone sat frozen, avoiding our eyes. His sister stared at the television, his step-dad worked vigorously at a spot on the table. His mom was the only one... eyes locked. "Ven, siéntate, necesitamos hablar," she managed. He [...]Read More
Chauncey Shillow’s Story
Abre tu boca por los mudos, por los derechos de todos los desdichados." -- Proverbios 31:8 I met Evelyn when she walked into my theatre class five and a half years ago. At that time, I did not know how much she would give to me, those students, or their school. Now I know that she dedicates herself [...]Read More
Brad and Kim Bandy’s Story
We're in a world where phrases like 'elevator pitch' and 'return on investment' land deeper than business plans and seep into our spiritual beings. We find ourselves surfing the waves of social issue to social issue—trying to stay afloat, never letting ourselves be immersed with the understanding [...]Read More
Reconciliation & Transformative Friendships
I have known a guy named Butch for years. He is like a lot of guys I know on the street: sometimes he is homeless, often he is addicted, and usually he is pleasant. Some years ago he was lucid and made an effort to fight his demons. Butch is an unlikely poet with a beautiful voice for singing. But, [...]Read More
Defending the Vulnerable
As two Southern California leaders living out CCD in our communities, we are intimately aware of the issues surrounding the broken immigration system. Robert is both an immigration attorney and professor of Chicana/o Studies and Asian American Studies at UCLA. Erica has worked in youth development [...]Read More
Locked in Solidarity
The beginning of a new year can be a time of reflection - for most. A fresh start or clean slate to make resolutions, to recommit to the work we are doing, the opportunity to begin again. But for many in our communities, the impact of incarceration looms regardless of new seasons. Men, women, and [...]Read More
How will Christians demonstrate Christ’s radical love in 2017?
Earlier this fall I posted something opinionated about the presidential election on facebook. Truth is, I’m full of opinions and often share them publicly. A friend of mine challenged my stance and wouldn’t let up. He insulted me and others who participated in the discussion and refused engage in a [...]Read More
Obedience
"For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn" This simple line from the well-known Christmas hymn, "O Holy Night" depicts the disruption of light, seen from a distance, yet breaking through darkness that first Christmas thousands of years ago. As we come to our final week in Advent, we are [...]Read More