Article October 21, 1991 Issue

A heart for community

It's natural to care deeply about community. Real love for family extends to neighbors—and overflows for the whole of society. This occasional column tells of how a spiritual perspective has been helping Sentinel readers help others and make a contribution to healing some of the collective challenges facing communities today. ...

Several years ago when I was living in a multiracial innercity neighborhood, a man broke into a neighbor's apartment and sexually assaulted her. This neighbor came to stay with me until she could again feel safe enough to stay alone. In the days following, I prayed often, not only to comfort and support my friend but also to alleviate my own shock and dismay.

Through prayer my friend, a fellow Christian Scientist, soon gained her peace and dominion and was able to return to her own apartment. In the aftermath of this incident, however, I found myself struggling with acute fear—terror—every time I had to pass a man of this race on the street. This caused me considerable concern. As a follower of Christ Jesus, I understood how essential it is to love my neighbor as myself. Reacting with fear certainly wasn't loving, nor was it how I wanted to view my neighbor.

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