Categorized | Community, Ministry

Ordinary Radical… Stretching my paradigm

Posted on 26 March 2007 by Gina

I’m half way through the book Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne. I don’t recommend it to anyone unless you’re prepared to be stretched.

Shane lives his life in the margins surrounded by the working poor of Philadelphia. He’s not living in the suburbs with a wife, kids and a puggle. He’s not on the corporate fast-track. He spends his time tutoring kids that come visit the house. He shares his food with the single mom next door. He lives in true community with those that cross his path. I am in awe of his willingness to drop everything and follow Jesus.

There are some stances he takes with which I don’t agree. But I’m not sure if it’s me making a decision based upon God’s Word and His movement in my spirit… or if it’s just my selfish response wanting to defend how I live my life because my paradigm is being stretched too much.

Although I don’t believe Shane suggests everyone living in suburbia should sell their homes and move to the inner-city, I think he’s begging anyone that will listen to share a fraction of what we horde with those in need. By doing so there will be far less in need.

In the end, we’ll find greater satisfaction in the giving. And we’ll likely find that we gain more in the process.

Something to chew on…

2 Comments For This Post

  1. Ryan Marshall Says:

    Hey JavaGina! I just found your kicken blog. I have not read this book, but another person said I had to read it. God is quickly reshaping my paradigm about who I am as a follower of Jesus, but even more he is reshaping my paradigm about Himself.

    I heard someone say last weekend that the poor and impoverished don’t just need our money or stuff, they need us. They need us to leave the comfort of our suburbia lifestyle and go into the inner cities and give ourselves to them. Not just our stuff.

    A question that I am now asking myself is, if Jesus where here, physically, in the year 2007, where would we find him? Would we find him in the churches of suburbia? Ministering to the comfortable and spoiled? I am referring to myself here, because I am comfortable and spoiled!

  2. Gina McClain Says:

    Ryan,
    Good stuff. Here’s a step further.

    Those that exist in the margin need more than just my stuff… they need me. I agree.

    I think I need them, as well.

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