I was warned before I arrived here of the utter destruction which the streets of La Paz would bring upon every pair of shoes I own. As a result of my training for a possible mountain climb, walking ridiculous sized hills (or they should very well be called mountains) seems to be the most logical form of training. Thus, each day, I find a way to lead yet another pair of boots or sandals to its end as I journey upon the many uneven and broken sidewalks while exploring the in's and out's of just what this city is all about. Maybe upon returning to the states, I will be required to invest in a few more pairs of shoes (Chacos please!)....but haven't they served their purpose well? And during my explorations, my thoughts begin to take flight...
La Paz. Known as the city of "peace". Tranquil. Calm. Harmony. Agreement. Neutrality. An easily accessible thesaurus tells me my community should be this way by label, but my surroundings tell me otherwise.
Satan is clever. With more ways to attack than one, it was recently brought to my attention when I was asked begin to notice the very tactic which he tends to use most amongst the people of La Paz. Peace? Once a city maybe characterized by peace, La Paz very well may change its name. Not to alarm you. I promise I do not walk around in fear as I traverse the city on a daily basis. But I can agree with the statements that the natural tendencies toward "conflict" seem to be a theme here. Whether it be minor, affecting a brief interaction on the street, or grand enough to rattle the core of a city's political and social foundation, conflict is definitely here and thriving.
While many were enjoying a United States Labor Day holiday, we ourselves were enjoying a day off as well. Only, ours was unexpected and a result of blockades near the school during which debated, to my understanding, owners of various parts of the land. There is a long history of debates and prejudice (which is preeminent in many Latin American countries) which have yet to be filtered out, and, I presume, will continue to infiltrate our community. There is even talk of another strike next week which could limit bus routes, and thus..offer the possibility of once again canceling school.
In our Highlands women's Bible Study, we are beginning the study of First John. As we were reading over the introduction, I was attracted to the very passion John conveys as he invites his readers into such a beautiful challenge of love. As the opposite of conflict could very well be peace, I think it is also love. I believe conflict cannot last where true love reigns. In love, one must lay down his right, his entitlement, his own motive. More so, John witnessed the love of Jesus Christ throughout his time with Him, and it made it that much easier to proclaim his invitation of eternal life, "so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ."
So, the question that resonated with me last night was the following: "What am I inviting my friends, my family, and my students into?" In a world where conflict is all many of my students know when they go home, is the invitation to come and enter into the peace of the gospel so attractive to them that it meets them and transforms what they "know" of the world? As believers, we live "to preach good news of peace" (Acts 10:36). The peace we speak of "surpasses all understanding" (Phil. 4:7), because our "God is not a God of confusion (or conflict), but of peace" (1 Cor. 14:33).
So, I am challenged. And I challenge you, fellow believer, to put your shoes on today. Your good pair, please. May they be fitted, sturdy, strong, and doing nothing but carrying the gospel of peace where you go. Then, from your feet....or where you go...to your heart...or what you dwell upon in the depths of who you are..."Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts to which you were called in one body" (Col. 3:15). Keep walking, and invite people to come with you. It's a great journey.
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