Erin
"Weakness and vulnerability in a person, far from being an obstacle to union with God, can foster it. It is often through weakness, recognized and accepted, that the liberating love of God is revealed." --from the Charter of the Communities of L'Arche
Erin has a gift for appreciating the simple, rejoicing in the moment, and celebrating who she is with. Erin is not concerned with money, labels, or status; which govern the lifestyles of many of our peers. It is Erin’s gift for material simplicity that allows her to have authentic joy and gratitude for the people in her life.
Nehalem House regularly attends St. Andrews church in northeast Portland. Erin enjoys the music, visiting with friends and will often dance during the birthday blessing song at the end of mass. Recently a parishioner shared with me that she believes Erin is “fully alive-body and soul-with the Holy Spirit.”
I too have a sense that Erin has a gift for bringing the Christian message alive. One Sunday a few weeks ago just before receiving communion, Erin touched her heart and said, “Communion, Erin heart Jesus, Meredith friend, so happy.” In that moment, Erin simplified for me the entire gospel message; to love God, neighbor and self. In a world that has shown her that the so-called weak are to be restricted and excluded, Erin’s faith has empowered her to say “me, I love you.”
Written by Meredith Zubel, former live-in assistant at L'Arche Portland.
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Erin has a gift for appreciating the simple, rejoicing in the moment, and celebrating who she is with. Erin is not concerned with money, labels, or status; which govern the lifestyles of many of our peers. It is Erin’s gift for material simplicity that allows her to have authentic joy and gratitude for the people in her life.
Nehalem House regularly attends St. Andrews church in northeast Portland. Erin enjoys the music, visiting with friends and will often dance during the birthday blessing song at the end of mass. Recently a parishioner shared with me that she believes Erin is “fully alive-body and soul-with the Holy Spirit.”
I too have a sense that Erin has a gift for bringing the Christian message alive. One Sunday a few weeks ago just before receiving communion, Erin touched her heart and said, “Communion, Erin heart Jesus, Meredith friend, so happy.” In that moment, Erin simplified for me the entire gospel message; to love God, neighbor and self. In a world that has shown her that the so-called weak are to be restricted and excluded, Erin’s faith has empowered her to say “me, I love you.”
Written by Meredith Zubel, former live-in assistant at L'Arche Portland.
Back to Stories of Transformation
