In her article, “Choosing Joy,” author Shemaiah Gonzalez writes about Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ, and his care for those in the formerly incarcerated community, who he calls “homies.” His ministry, Homeboy Industries, is impressive and inspiring. Fr. Greg is a real wisdom figure for me, and I count touring him around my former school among the many highlights of my time at De Marillac Academy. Shermiah writes:
Fr. Greg explains this joy in his new book, Forgive Everyone Everything:
It is precisely because we so fundamentally doubt that we are worthy of love that we find it difficult to traverse the terrain of our vulnerability so that we can choose joy. This is the gentle soft spot that can reach across and connect finally with the other, to make the shift from protected heart to vulnerability. The homies discover tenderness as their weapon of choice. To be grounded in our “tenderoni” self is to know that we will endlessly struggle with our worthiness to be loved. Turns out, this is a necessary ingredient to being courageously tender with other people and is the door that opens to joy.
This ideal of viewing vulnerability, tenderness and joy as such strong assets in relationship-building is a great approach to life in general.
Enjoy this rendition of “Try a Little Tenderness” by another of my favorite artists, Otis Redding. Hang on for the strong finish, it is worth the extra time. Enjoy the week ahead!
Keeping the Faith 