Dear Inner Circle,
The week began as we trudged the Stations of the Kings Cross, marking the points of significance in our community, like the spot where Thomas Kelly’s life was tragically taken in 2012. Sadly, the plaque that marks this place has been chipped off to make way for a new development. His legacy remains alive in our memory, may it never be forgotten.
Before we set off, a phone call from a young man lit up my phone: he was keen to come along with us, to carry his cross, as he has done every year for over a decade. The pilgrimage a marker of his progress, from 50kg wringing wet with veins full of “gear” to now clean with a proudly rotund belly, his life is a resurrection story of the most beautiful order. After he trudged the streets he told me, “I do this as much to remind myself to keep walking, as much I do this to be as an example for others. I want to help others to change, but I can only do that if I remember I can become addicted again in heartbeat. Lucky I am now addicted to my love of life, family and drooly cuddles from my kids.”
Later in the week, a friend fell through our doors, after years of pressure and conflict she walked away from it all. Spending the week with us at Wayside was quite a change for her, seeing people interacting with kindness and positivity was a stark contrast to her typical reality. She joined a few of us for a meal, and as we walked in the beautiful sunshine together, she started to cry uncontrollably and, much to my silent pride, none of us stopped to ask, “What is going on?” They all knew sometimes we need to experience the “tears of things”— too often we resist the grief work necessary to create room for the new thing that is always wanting to break through. Tissues, hugs and time are great companions of weeping and silence, and as tears beget tears, we made quite the sight out in public, but none of us cared one bit. Tears are a gift that enable us to live compassionately in a world of violence and despair.
The Easter pattern is always true, that from death, new life can emerge if we have the courage to move forward together, albeit broken-hearted, in a way that builds a future that doesn’t repeat the past. The greatest love comes at the greatest cost, and it is an act of will to keep moving, holding memory in a way that sparks momentum, rather than halting it.
Thank you for being part of the Inner Circle,
Jon
Rev. Jon Owen
CEO & Pastor
Wayside Chapel
PS. Thank you for all your kind words, I’m happy to report I’m feeling much better following the broken rib and bout with the flu. Would you believe the fundraising team wouldn’t accept those ailments as excuse to get out of running City2Surf with Team Wayside?!
I suppose since the run isn’t until August I’m not off the hook, but I sure would love company. There are still places to run (or walk) as part of Team Wayside available here. Please join me!
