Quenepas, Corona, and Kindness
If you've ever spent significant time outside of our affluent western civilization, you'll understand this well. But if you haven't, let me explain. You see, most cultures understand the idea of community, generosity, and empathy far better than American do. Latin American, African cultures commonly practice gathering at communal spaces (i.e. a church or community center) and sharing resources. Yes, it’s oftentimes out of necessity but it’s never government mandated.
See these little fruits? They’re called quenepas or limoncillos. They’re these sweet and sour little limes and I love them. Do you know where I got these from? A loving, hard-working Dominican family brought them as a gift to my team and me, in appreciation, just for leading their kids in a few VBS activities. What you may not realize is these fruits came from their only fruit bearing tree and could be sold instead of giving them away for free. This family, as most who live in this community barely have a substantial living space and means of income. Yet, this act of hospitality is far from an anomaly. While we horde and isolate, these beautiful humans share and commune.
It's amusing to me that in the (charismatic) circles I'm in, spirit-led, faith-filled, fervent Christians will be the first to step out in faith and pray for broken bones and sickness. We believe in the supernatural. But when it comes to tipping the astrology loving waitress $100+ for a $5 bill, paying the bills of a Muslim immigrant neighbor, or offering to share resources with the homeless, these same faithful Christians become stingy and apprehensive of the beneficiary's motives. It's less impulsive for the church to give up one's resources. It’s as if we don’t believe God’s supernatural hand can’t extend through our generosity.
I wonder if in the midst of all the chaos our world is facing, that the greatest revival in the Church is not the number of lost souls saved (while that is incredible). Perhaps, it's a revival of radical generosity. Can we be the signpost for giving?
May our world tiptoe out of this pandemic forever more generous than we’ve ever been before. That is my prayer.