XPLORations on a theme
Rev. Jonathan Cahill
Rev. Jonathan Cahill reflects on his XPLOR experience. He was in the first XPLOR cohort (2014-2015) and served in Hiram-Mantua, Ohio. Rev. Cahill was ordained in Chicago, Illinois in January 2019.
i did not eXpect to meet
best friends in Pillbox-sized rooms
in a village Long drives away from
a city of steel, rust, abandOned warehouses
and neighborhoods rapidly gentRifying on the west side
but I’m grateful for the eXception
to my exPectations
because Living in close-knit community yielded bOnds of
friendship that time doesn’t easily weaR
it was with eXcitement and trepidation
that i Plotted my course from
the farm to the Lofty offices of the disheveled senator what a way to get Oriented to the bridge-divide
of Rural/urban/urbane/rustic
Xiasmus
Pews from another century
Left an impression
On my back while the congregation Regaled my soul with sermon, song and
eXuberant hospitality
Protest marches
Left an impression on my feet
Outside forts and white houses and a
Recreation center where a black boy was murdered over a toy
a year of eXploration Political awakening
souL searching
orientation, disOrientation,
reoRientation
Xplor was not lacking in hardshiP
Loss
Or
frustRation
but Xplor also
prePared me for stepping into
aduLthood with confidence
Ownership of who I am – successes and failures alike – with Resilience
the year’s lessons eXtend into
the Present
Looking back i know why
i continue On my path
relishing the time and Remaining grateful to be part of that hiram four
As the health and social services general ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the National Benevolent Association partners with congregations, regions, general ministries, and a variety of Disciples-related health and social service providers to create communities of compassion and care. Founded in 1887 by six women responding to the needs of the day and on their doorsteps, for more than 130 years the NBA has continued to serve “the least of these.” Learn more at www.nbacares.org.
