Even just days ago as I sat down at this computer to write, I was forlorn with the impending and seemingly certain fate of this wonderfully blessed space. The school district finally had a buyer, who dreamed up a plan that had sailed through planning-commission and board-of-zoning-appeals approvals. I had attempted to test the waters of public support for the building for months. Many people waxed nostalgic and wanted to keep it, but few were committed to action.
In this case, money was speaking.
I was repeatedly asked where I would move. I had no real idea. Certainly, there were kind offers for temporary space, but no permanent home, Uncharacteristically, I had no plan and I was oddly at peace. All I knew was to stay here as lonely and isolated as it seemed. Stay and be a beacon of light showing the transformation that can and does happen right here in this old building. I have witnessed wily children ripen into trusted mentors, misbehavior channel to creativity, marginalization become confidence, a bland peeling classroom morph into a bright refuge, bitter enemies bond, artists with gifts offer them generously, volunteers with big hearts stretch them larger and children asked to grow up too quickly soften, relax and feel safe. HERE.
Then, suddenly, I wasn't one of the few. Neighbors joined neighbors and the energy spread like wildfire. And I knew it was time to invite people in. They created their own energy, renewing what I was beginning to feel once again, within these walls.
In dizzying days of meetings, e-mails, letters, petitions, phone calls, Facebook chats, yard-sign distribution and prayer I was energyzed. People adored the studio, the work we do here and the fact the building was in better shape than some would admit. These concerned residents brought more and new energy with them. It was the energy of being united and while some may not view it as spiritual, I knew its source.
Each of us added a piece and brought more away as our gatherings broke apart. Most of this was unbidden. I only see it now. I kept tending and watching the paperwhites. They grew as the momentum did. I pointed them out to the group. Which either made me seem wise or nuts.
All was riding on Tuesday night's council meeting when the body would make the final decision. A denial required five of seven votes. City staff reversed its recommendation after studying the impact on emergency services. That was hopeful and paralleled the paperwhite's rise. Opposition signs sprung up in 500 yards across town. Neighbors from all ends collaborated. Many pitched in legal fees to hire an attorney to write a letter. I was not one of them, believing in what I saw happening. I also didn't agree that we needed legal representation before our elected representatives. In one last e-mail before the vote, that's exactly what I told council members. That I trusted them and the system. It was Spirit that I really trusted.
I raced from a downtown grant presentation to get to the council meeting, where several neighbors and new friends had a seat waiting. The swell of energy and tension could have been cut. The city manager read the new position and the developer was given time to respond. He began by reintroducing himself because "most people have it all wrong, I am an investor in your community .... I gave money ... for your rained-out parade." I was sad at his defensiveness and separation. He called the fire chief's figures "arbitrary and capricious."
I can not imagine how devastating the reversal must have been for him. He'd spent months, money and time crafting a lucrative plan. What he'd neglected to do was really listen to those of us looking for something with a community focus. He wrote us off. He wrote me off as an artist who "contributes nothing" to the building and the welcome letter I sent him with grant suggestions as "nothing I can take to the bank." He had the audacity to tell me those things in my studio. Yet, somehow that negative energy dissipated. And I haven't been angry with him, just understand that our goals are so divergent.
After his allotment, it was time for council members to explain how they would be voting. Hallelujah. Not just a vote, but an explanation.
The mayor began, armed with discrepancies, homework and a litany of reasons she was rejecting the plan. My side of the room erupted with applause and hope. When the second council person said no, we held our breath and signed with relief. In quick succession, the third and the fourth, the fifth and the sixth voted with their peers and against the proposal. The final voice dissented. Six-to-one the development was denied.
I had prayed up and down the halls of the building for something like this. All of the prayer warriors were on it. I could hardly believe my eyes and ears, but in my heart I knew God had been at work. During a break after the vote, staffers, elected officials and residents united in a way I have never experienced. We were ONE.
We meet again Sunday for strategy and next steps. Although the sale of the land from the school district to the developer was contingent on the zoning approval, the school board president says it's still intact.
Now I pray for the developer and total unity. Join me if you would. Amazing things do happen. Thank God.
• How have I experienced God at work?
• When was a hopeless situation reversed?
• How long before I was aware of Spirit's hand in it?
• When have I experienced utter unity?
• How do I pray for more?
hibernating
since early
last spring
anyone
would have
thought them
dead
just like
the fate
of this
old building
yet,
isolated
in the dark
and secret
places
forces
were working
bringing
new life
and energy
with
Spirit
stamped
all over
Listen to this post:
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