Honoring Gideon

I have been overwhelmed by the number of people whose lives were touched by Gideon Addington.  Many of you never met him in person.  Gideon was a person motivated by great compassion towards others.  He wanted to transform the world.  He wanted to create bridges across long standing divides, separating people because of religion, nationality, economics.  His passion was for social justice and bringing God's kingdom into reality on earth.  If you are wondering how you can best honor Gideon, pick up his mantle. Become agents of peace and transformation where you live.  Gideon helped adults achieve their GED, tutored kids, volunteered in the food pantry.  At our church, Trinity Episcopal in Tulsa, we have an outreach ministry that is called Iron Gate.  This ministry provides a meal everyday for 400 people who are homeless or living in poverty.  Gideon was impressed by this kind of ministry - a place where people were fed and were considered guests, not clients.  You might find a similar program near you.  Other organizations that are working to help people on a national level would be Habitat for Humanity, Episcopal Relief and Development, Catholic Charities.  Contributions of time, or talent, or treasure are always appreciated.  Also, a most important consideration, when we give of ourselves to others, the greatest gift is what we receive:  a sense of meaning, of belonging, of accomplishment.  Some people work out their spiritual lives with being - in prayer, in thought, in song, in quiet moments.  Other people find their spiritual life in doing for others.  Each has a place.