When we cultivate sanctuary—whether in our physical spaces, within ourselves, or in our relationships—it also increases our capacity to cultivate sanctuary in the world. When we participate in the healing, strengthening, renewal, or transformation of our communities, the lives of our neighbors, and our relationships with our Neighbor (in the Jesus sense of the word), we cultivate sanctuary in the world.⁣

⁣For many, the idea of participating in the healing of the world is both inspiring and daunting. What if, instead of focusing on the whole world, we start in our own little corner of the world?⁣

⁣The past week I heard a powerful presentation by author and activist Bryan Stevenson, who wrote 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘔𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘺. He encouraged listeners to “Get proximate.” Getting proximate to those who are dear to us, to those who are different from us, to those who have a different story than us, to those who have been disfavored by our society, is an essential way of affirming someone’s humanity and dignity. Seeing someone’s fully humanity is an important step toward healing and renewal.⁣

• ⁣Consider your corner of the world:⁣

• What injustice breaks your heart or ignites your anger? ⁣

• Whose voice is being unjustly muted or silenced? ⁣

• What need in the community aligns with your skills or passion? ⁣

• What impulse have you felt nudging you to volunteer (or even inquire about volunteering) in a certain way?⁣

• Who is someone you know that is in the midst of a challenging season?⁣

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What would it look like to “get proximate” in one of these situations?⁣

What core infrastructure practices give you energy and internal resources to engage in the world in intentional and meaningful ways?⁣

In what ways have you already been participating in the healing of the world, starting in your little corner?⁣