That’s not the value of my house, nor the value of my 401k, but rather how many miles I have on my car.
A friend of mine, Jack Jezreel has written a transformative social justice curriculum known as JustFaith. People who have gone through this program often give testimonials about the changes they have made in their lives as a result of the awakening that occured during JustFaith. For many it means getting a more rewarding (less paying) job. Others have downsized their home.
I have gone through JustFaith twice. The first time was Jack facilitated at the Merton Center Foundation in 2000-2001. The second was in 2004-2005 when I co-facilatated a group at the Center for Faith & Action. When I tell people about the changes in my life, I say something like: “Our family sold our house and moved closer to the inner-city. We rejoined a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). We changed churches, we’re now at a smaller one, in fact this church doesn’t even own the building where it worships. I’ve traveled to an active war zone. And I have the same car.”
When my mechanic changed the timing belt for the second time she told me, “Well, it should last you another 240,000 miles, the engine’s in great shape. These things run forever.”
Here’s to my 1994 Honda Civic EX. May she last another quarter-of-a-million miles.
Last night the International Bluegrass Music Association held their awards show in Nashville. It was the second year they’ve been at the Grand Ole Opry. It use to be held in Kentucky, most recently in Louisville.
The week-long event is a celebration of music. One would walk through the lobby of the Galt House and find scores, if not hundreds, of musicians staking out a corner and playing. If they started by themselves, they would not be playing alone for long. Another musician would stop and play with them. You’d find amateurs playing alongside the most seasoned pros. It was a wonderful communal atmosphere. Improvisation reigned.
Maybe one day the IBMA and bluegrass’ biggest show will see the light and come home. For the life of me, I can’t figure out how Louisville let this one go.
Last night, David Letterman showed the cover of the recent Forbes magazine that names the 400 richest Americans. He points out they are all billionaires and that being a millionaire isn’t worth much anymore. Then he comments about how many people there are in the US and how much of our wealth is concentrated in so few.
Quite surprising to hear this kind of analysis, however brief, on a national variety show. I guess if the network news won’t do it, it’s a good thing people like Letterman are.
