I was able to enjoy a much needed three-day weekend. Frank and I went away overnight to Vancouver, B.C. It was so nice to get away and connect with my husband. It gave us the opportunity to dream together. Frank the philosopher and me the existential narrative therapist-- makes for an interesting and lively conversation.

Getting into Vancouver was interesting and frustrating, to say the least. We both had our birth certificates and photo ID so we felt ready to go, but when we got to the border we realized that Frank had changed his last name and didn't have the proper paperwork to show his name change. So we we're questioned and then finally told to go to the immigration office. I think we we're both feeling very anxious and for others this may be a routine check, but for us it felt intrusive-- like we had to prove who we are and what we are doing. Well... after a bit of time we were let in, but for the longest time I felt so much anger. The experience brought up so much frustration and tension and I didn't like being treated like I was under suspicion. It was humiliating. And as I fumed I started thinking about those that are underpriveledged... those who have no voice... those that are constantly under suspicion because of the color of their skin or their religious orientation or their sexual orientation.

But I don't want to just rant and rave about the injustice of life. I'd rather be pulled to move in compassion for those who are unable to respond to such struggles. I want my personal frustration, anger, and pain to fuel my work for others. As others journey through their reality of unjust moments... I want to be there to guide, comfort, and discern. My rants... my raves should never be left to stew on their own... On the other hand, they should be used in grace to journey with others. My story is never my own... it's for the greater good. It is an extension of the grace i've been given. Lately, i've continued to write about this enlightened experience in my life-- the recognition of my call. It has been an integral part in my journey... it has been liberating and freeing to see that I have been called to work on behalf of others.

As Christians, we have a reponsibility to respond to the 'unjust acts' around us. We have a responsibility to advocate for those who are displaced, marginalized, discriminated against.... We must remember the widow, the orphan, the oppressed... Isaiah 17 says, "Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow". We must be commited to seeking justice, because those who are fatherless, widowed, and oppressed are all around us. They are our neighbors, our friends, our family, members of our community... We must be seekers of love and humility so that our weapons against injustice are grounded in grace.

Each day I am reminded that 'The free must remember the forgotten'. (Author Unknown)