Engage

Living “Local”

Shop Local. Live Local.

The two phrases above are versions of a population slogan in many of our cities. Among many ideological motives, the primary idea of the slogans are to support local businesses – to move away from mass-produced convenience in order to encourage and provide opportunities for our neighbors to share their talent, creativity, handiwork, and expertise.


Shop Local. Live Local.

The two phrases above are versions of a population slogan in many of our cities. Among many ideological motives, the primary idea of the slogans are to support local businesses – to move away from mass-produced convenience in order to encourage and provide opportunities for our neighbors to share their talent, creativity, handiwork, and expertise.

I appreciate the concept for many reasons, the least of which is its unintended celebration of the foresight and purpose with which God created each one of us (Psalm 139) to worship Him and impact the world. As I carry the religious image further I see the concepts of the Body of Christ and of valuing the poor and the “least” within our communities as we celebrate the sum of our strengths and work together for the glory of God. (The economic, environmental, health and other rationale often cited in the “Live Local” movement are not being addressed in this post.)

Yet, today I was struck that we often talk and think more about the origin of our coffee, milk, and veggies than we think or meditate about the Living God to whom we have confessed our faith.

Do I live “local” spiritually?

For example:
My “career” has often included roles with a strong outreach component. These jobs were my love because they allowed me to encourage people in their specific calling and equip them to share that same sense of hope and dignity through Christ with others in their sphere(s) of influence.

My job was about “others”.

It is easier to encourage, care, and instruct others than it is to sit in a silent, empty space and allow myself the same sense of encouragement, care, and instruction by God or trusted confidants. Whether it is during conversations with friends, while reading, praying, or simply trying to fall asleep, I find my mind distracted by “something” or often absolutely nothing.

And so, while longing for “more” in my spiritual life I lose track of time and find that I have once again lost my grasp on what I was hoping to pursue and touch – the hem of Christ’s robe. To simply “know” that I’ve been in His presence.

I want my spiritual life to be more “local” – to be introspective (not ingrown) so that I am constantly aware of both my need and joy for God’s continual grace and saving work in my life. It is from this center of knowledge and experience that I will speak the Truth of God’s goodness and mercy in the land of living. It is from personal knowledge and experience that my faith and obedience will deepen.

And maybe in those fleeting moments when I am, theoretically, able to touch the edge of Christ’s garment will I better understand my unique place and purpose in the body of Christ – locally and globally.

To “live local” requires planning and time to reorient expenditure of time and resources … convenience shouldn’t be a factor.

Neither should it be for my spiritual life.

May Psalm 116 a cry of our hearts:

“I love the LORD, for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry for mercy.
Because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.

The LORD is gracious and righteous;
our God is full of compassion.
The LORD protects the unwary;
when I was brought low, he saved me.

Return to your rest, my soul,
for the LORD has been good to you.

For you, LORD, have delivered me from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before the LORD
in the land of the living.

What shall I return to the LORD
for all his goodness to me?

I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the LORD.
I will fulfill my vows to the LORD
in the presence of all his people.

Truly I am your servant, LORD;
I serve you just as my mother did;
you have freed me from my chains.
I will sacrifice a thank offering to you
and call on the name of the LORD.
I will fulfill my vows to the LORD
in the presence of all his people,”

Christy currently serves as the Director of Public Affairs at Crichton College in Memphis, Tennessee. Crichton is a Christian, liberal arts college committed to equipping students to think critically, grow spiritually, and change their world. Prior to moving to Memphis, Christy served as the Minister of Local Outreach and Assistant Minister to Singles at Northwest Bible Church in Dallas, Texas. She is a graduate of Rhodes College and Dallas Theological Seminary. Christy’s passion is to see individuals encouraged and equipped to fully live and exploit their unique calling, gifts, and talents, thus, allowing the Church be a strong, incarnational, evangelical presence within the local and global communities. She has a twin brother who serves as a missionary in Europe and a younger brother who lives in Dallas, Texas with his new wife (a match for which Christy claims full responsibility).  Her mother and step-father live in Memphis, Tennessee and father and step-mother live in Quebec City, Quebec.