December 5, 2006

Gloria

She sits on her small porch that has enough room for her plastic chair and for the door of her apartment to open and close. Two steps down sit neighbors talking with Gloria in chairs that Gloria has provided. Gloria listens intently as neighbors ask questions, share stories, and seek advice. Meanwhile, Gloria's granddaughter, along with other neighbor children, run all around the small front yard playing tag, swirling around Gloria and those relaxing in the chairs. Suddenly, one of the children spies a praying mantis hanging on the large tree in the front yard. The insect hangs on the tree, like those sitting in Gloria’s yard hang on her words. Gloria's granddaughter runs to retrieve an old jar with a warped plastic lid resting on the top. As she bends over to pick up the jar from near the porch, she yells, "Is it a boy or a queen?” One of the other girls responds, “It's a queen”. Gloria's granddaughter quickly switches jars to the "Queen Jar", as they have to keep the boys separated from the girls. Adding another insect to their collection is great fun and brings great joy. The other adults sitting around Gloria pay little attention to the children, but briefly stop their conversation to see what was up with the kids.

Gloria is what I call the neighborhood "Pastor"; she listens to the concerns of her neighbors, gives advice, and explains to young moms how to cook the strange produce that often arrives in the neighborhood. She gives tips on child rearing, advises the women not to put up with men who do not respect them or their children, and tells stories of the things she has gleaned from her sixty some years of life. It is not unusual for Gloria to be in church on Sunday, even though it is a struggle to walk across the street and get up the long flight of stairs.

For you see, Gloria is no stranger to life's struggles. She grew up in Kokomo and married the love of her life. She gave birth to children and lived a typical upper-middleclass lifestyle. Her husband was an executive in a large company and provided his family with a very nice house and much of the good things of life. Gloria was living the "American Dream". Gloria's husband worked long hours, having little time for his family. Over the years things became strained, one thing led to another, and their marriage dissolved, along with the lifestyle to which she had been accustomed. Soon she foundherself in every government program possible to care for her family, including public housing. While times were difficult, she kept her faith in God, putting one foot in front of the other, never giving up. Over the years, she has learned that life happens and you have to make the best of it. She has learned that you can be bitter or you can live in
joy. She has learned that difficult days don't last forever, but the decisions you make today often have "forever" consequences. Gloria is a Believer, a survivor, a lover of life. I wish I could say that Gloria never struggles; she does. I wish I could say she doesn't have bad days: she does. I wish I could say that Gloria is perfect; she’s not. She is just like everyone else, but Gloria also gets back up when she is knocked down. She has learned to seek forgiveness as well as to forgive. Gloria has learned to live with little, yet she lives abundantly. Gloria is blessed.

The Spirit of God swirls around Gloria and her life, just like the children swirling around the yard. The Holy Spirit empowers Gloria to love God and neighbor in a way that creates a culture of hope in a place that seems to have little hope. As I look across the street I see "Pastor Gloria" at work in her little congregation. I see a mother with a baby in a stroller listening to Gloria share words of wisdom. I see Gloria talking to a single woman who works long hours cleaning a factory, encouraging her that things will get better. Later, Gloria might prepare a meal for her family and invite the neighbor lady to join her and maybe even play some cards after dinner. Her advice is sought out, sometimes heeded, sometimes not. As with any “caring professional", she wonders if she is making a difference and can be frustrated with the volume of her "business"; it can get tiring. At the end of the day, long after the sun goes down, Gloria goes into her apartment to finish a book and get ready for bed so she will be ready for whatever tomorrow brings.

I know when I feel discouraged I can look over at Gloria’s porch and get a free wave and smile; when I see that - - - I have just seen Jesus.