Mark Scandrette

Many people have told me that their favorite story in SOUL GRAFFITI is about my friend, Emperor Arcadia. I’ve posted this chapter on the SOUL GRAFFITI book website, along with a picture of the Emperor.

Last night I was sitting in our front room with my sons, Noah and Isaiah, when we heard 6 or 7 rapid gunshots fired right outside the window. We heard screeching tires, but by the time I had grabbed my phone and ran out the door there was nothing to see. The police arrived a few minutes later and found 9mm semi-automatic casings strewn about the street in front of our house. The curious thing is that last Saturday morning we were awakend by gunshots in the same place that wounded a young woman (a neighbor who was shot in the buttocks but recovering well). We watched her dad emerge from the house to find his daughter sprawled out in the alley screaming and surrounded by paramedics. We have a new neighbor who moved in three weeks ago who is getting quite a welcome to the neighborhood. (There are three bullet holes in the siding of her flat from last weeks shooting). We’ve been trying to assure her that it is a great neighborhood and that these events are seasonal and rare. And yet there have been 4 shootings within 4 blocks of our house in the last four days– plus last nights gunfire. The goodnews– when gunshots are fired everyone comes outside and it has given us an urgent reason to get to know each other. in a densely populated neighborhood like ours it is hard to tell who your neighbors are (there are always people walking down the side walk and you don’t know if they are visitors, tourists or if they live in the apartment building next to yours). We met our next door neighbors at 1 a.m. last week after the shooting. Last night Lisa and I passed around a sheet of paper and collected information and we hope to have a neighbors meeting this week.

I’ve been a little unsettled by the last week of gunfire for several reasons. One, is that last night was the first time that the kids have been so close to the gunfire (most often they are asleep in the back of the house). I saw how terrified and worried they looked. When we talked about it this morning they said they weren’t afraid for their own safety– just really concerned that someone was getting hurt outside.  Two, these are just kids shooting at each other– and I’m concerned that their lack of experience with guns combined with possible drug use and adolescent bravado makes it more likely that they will miss their intended target and hit someone else.
I find that I don ‘t sleep well after the gunfire, 911 calls, and conversations with neighbors and police.  I hope that our presence and prayers make a positive difference in our community. Our city neighborhoods is a complex mix of locals, vagrants tourists, families, older people– there are a few things that make it a challenge to live where we live– but we also find alot to love.

This day
I give
My body
My mind
My strength
My time
My way with people
Over to the great mystery
Of your kingdom come
On earth as it is in heaven

In each step
with every breath
beyond reason
or habit
I strive to align myself
with your intentions
LOVE come
To make
This moment
Magic

After a bit of holiday in August and a great Labor day weekend, my attention has (belatedly) turned toward my upcoming trip to Texas in October. I’m looking forward to connecting with old and new friends, sharing some stories from my book, SOUL GRAFFITI, comparing notes along the journey in the ways of the kingdom with other communities and leaders and, with any luck, tasting the best of Texas Barbeque all over the state!

Below is a list of commitments I already have and the days and slots I still have open during the week. When I travel, as long as I am away from my family, I like to make myself useful in whatever ways I can:

*Speaking to faith communities
*Networking with leaders
*Visiting emerging church cohorts
*Guest lecturing at colleges or seminaries
*Doing a bit of spoken word and some readings at a café
*Hanging out in cafes, clubs, pubs, parks and restaurants.

I can also do a bit of drywall, tile and some woodwork and wall painting– and love to cook for large groups of people. And I do a good bit of spiritual direction. I would also love to see places where culture, arts and justice come together in your city.

If you can think of any opportunities to connect and serve, please let me know.

Saturday October 6   Arrive in Dallas 9:50 P.M.
Sunday    October 7   Journey Church in Dallas, P.M. (Appearing with The Cobalt Season)

Monday  October 8   OPEN (In Dallas)
Tuesday October 9   Oak Grove Abbey, Austin, TX .M. (Appearing with The Cobalt Season)

Wednesday October 10 Casa De Soupiset, San Antonio, TX P.M.

Thursday October 11 OPEN

Friday October 12      OPEN

Saturday October 13  OPEN

Sunday October 14  Riverbend Church, Austin A.M.

Monday October 15   OPEN until 1 P.M. Likely flying out of Austin

Feel free to pass this along to all your relations.