Letter from a Reader

I read with interest this month’s edition of Echoes. I have many fond memories of Laity Lodge decades ago spent with Methodist churches from San Antonio and Austin which were led by Chuck Merrill. As Executive Director of the Community Action Network in Austin for 10 years, we were deeply involved in supporting people on the margins and those in need of mental health services. These are pervasive issues that will always be with us, and our church communities play a huge role in our ability as humanity to deal with them from a position of Love. As a spiritual director and writer, I was recently prompted to pen the attached now forwarded to you. Please continue the good work of the Foundation in response to these ongoing challenges.

Sending with Love,
Fred Butler

Excerpts from Fred Butler’s reflection “A Way Forward”

… I am reminded of the reality of a very divided and contentious America. I know I am distressed, worried and uncertain. How do I make any kind of peace within myself and is there anything I can do to help myself and anyone else see a possible way forward together?

…there is a way for folks with very different views on just about everything to be in a relationship that can be helpful and productive. That way is following be in a relationship that can be helpful and productive. That way is following the direction that exists in every spiritual and theological path which the direction that exists in every spiritual and theological path which is—‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself,’ or, ‘Do to them as you would is—‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself,’ or, ‘Do to them as you would have them do to you.’ have them do to you.’

…This is the way, as Jesus and the Prophets put it, of Love. And remember … Love is not weak. Love is extremely powerful. Trust that this is the Truth. Now, Love is not weak. Love is extremely powerful. Trust that this is the Truth. Now, how do we get folks to try this? First and foremost is to practice it ourselves how do we get folks to try this? First and foremost is to practice it ourselves from now on. If it meets with no in-kind response, that’s OK, but keep trying, from now on. If it meets with no in-kind response, that’s OK, but keep trying, because I believe that when someone sees us making a genuine effort to treat because I believe that when someone sees us making a genuine effort to treat them right, it will be very hard to not respond the same way back toward us. them right, it will be very hard to not respond the same way back toward us.

… Does love mean avoiding politics? Unequivocally—No!! For if we disengage (which certainly is tempting right now) then only those who may disengage (which certainly is tempting right now) then only those who may be the most angry, divisive, and fearful will be determining the course of the be the most angry, divisive and fearful will be determining the course of the conversation and decision making. All we can do is what we can do where we conversation and decision making. All we can do is what we can do where we are and I have faith that in the end Love will prevail.

Community Feedback

Alice Alvarez: How do we as San Antonio, as one community say, ‘No! That’s enough! We’re going to take care of ourselves and our neighbors and do the right thing and make sure everybody has a house and a home.’ [The film] talked about the difference between Stone Oak to where I live. It’s another city where I live, but people want to feel safe in their home. We all want that.

Ginger Treaner: We need to think about tiny homes, maybe railroad cars. There’s got to be another way. It’s good to hear other’s voices and hear what they have to say.

Suzanne Baker: I am feeling very optimistic and very hopeful that these types of conversations need to happen everywhere throughout the city. We need to start thinking about new approaches to house everybody.

Anna Flores: Highly recommended everyone see this. I was there last night and we had an incredible discussion. See it for yourself and share with friends.

Anonymous: The housing crisis is not understood even by many elected officials nationwide. Your film can really help move the needle.

Larry Powles: Good Article. The Sunset Office is truly a work of art and the staff who are blessed to office there make it even better.

Gloria Canseco: I want to see it after shopping at Horse of a Different Color for so many years!

Shahid K. Abdulla: What an amazing facility and Foundation.

@lacarterjohn: Jon’s music is life-giving. I love that he’s pioneering a new genre in Christian music. Thanks for posting this.

@joieflower: How lovely. Thank you for offering us this glimpse into what seems to be a truly beauty-filled moment

@andrewhendrixsonstudio: Jeeez, that was good.