I pulled up to the stop light on NE Weiden just as the light turned red. My plan was to turn left onto NE 102nd Ave. As I pulled into the turn lane next to the curb I realized that I was alone (no other cars behind me) for a minute or so (how long is that red light?) with the man with the sign “Need money. Everything Helps. God Bless.” He looked at me. I looked at him. And in an instant I knew what it felt like to sit in the front pews at church.

I laughed out loud. Grabbed some change from my stash in the place that used to be the ash tray. Rolled the window down and offered my moment to him. The couple bucks of change bought me a 30-second conversation. He said “This is my last day on this job… Tomorrow I start a real job.” He’s going to work digging trenches for an excavation company and is trying to get enough money to buy boots. He was proud. I was his cheerleader of the moment. The light changed and I drove off. 

The church and I are just beginning an annual process of clergy evaluation. The first step is for me to reflect on a few questions about my call to ministry, my practice of spiritual disciplines and hopes and dreams. One of the questions is about honesty and transparency. “Have you been able to be honest and transparent with your congregation?” My gut response? I’m not sure the church really wants honest and transparent as much as comfort and harmony. And yes, I have found lots of ways to be honest, open and transparent with them. That’s the way I am…

When you’re sitting in the front pew of life, staring face-to-face with real people and real issues, with nowhere to look except right back into the eyes of hunger or joblessness or ill health, honesty and transparency may be THE ONLY response.

Here’s a little wisdom for your day:  Proverbs 22 (The Message)

A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich, a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank. The rich and the poor shake hands as equals — God made them both! (22:1-2)

Whoever sows sin reaps weeds, and bullying anger sputters into nothing. Generous hands are blessed hands because they give bread to the poor. (22:8-9)

Don’t walk on the poor just because they’re poor, and don’t use your position to crush the weak, Because God will come to their defense, the life you took, he’ll take from you and give back to them. (22:22-23)