Maclean's published an article in their magazine entitled "Canada's Worst Neighbourhood." The neighbourhood they are describing is the North Central part of Regina. This is a neighbourhood I know, a place where some of my friends live, and an area that I have wanted to live in myself for a while now, mostly because of the disturbing truths described in this article. Jonathon Gatehouse describes a drug infested, gang driven, outsider society where young women (if they even qualify as women yet) sell themselves, where houses are transformed into brothels, where..."Hold up, did you say Regina?" Yep.
If you live here, you should drive through the heart of this neighbourhood, and look out your windows. Turn off your radio, drive slow, and keep your eyes open. Blink if you have to, but let yourself see and feel the reality and truths of our world (our city), that we so often ignore. If we don't see it, it doesn't exist. If we don't hear about the crime and dehumanization just 10 minutes away from our own neighbourhood, it isn't real. And so, we turn off our T.V's, toss aside the magazine, shake our heads a little, and we may even decide that these people, these journalists, have it all wrong. The thing is, they don't. And in a month when we have forgotten this sad story that hits so close to home, the people who are a part of it will still be living it.
If you are at all familiar with Jesus, you will most likely recognize these words...
I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.
Then his followers ask..."When did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
And he says... "I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!"
Yikes right?
We're pretty comfortable not doing that, thank you.
But I'll tell you what, I WILL finish reading the article... (*gold star).
When reading this, a lot of us seem to immediately think about places far from home - We envision third world countries or the children from World Vision commercials. This is all REALLY good stuff to think about and participate in (do it), but often times we don't see what is right in front of us.
So far since this article has come out, I have heard a lot of "No way's" and arguments regarding the truth of the title - Regina being home to the worst neighborhood in Canada. I'm not sure that really matters, and I really don't think that is the point. The point is, there is a need and we have a choice; act or argue. Sometimes words are very powerful, but sometimes they get in the way of what is important.
We can't change the world, but we can try. And here's a not-so-subtle cry for help.
"If you can't save a hundred lives, save one." -Mother Teresa
