For what or whom would you give all you have in exchange for self-imposed homelessness? What makes your heart ache?
In September 2008, I traveled with students in the Mays Business Honors Program to Washington, D.C. To say that this trip was life changing is an understatement. Although I thoroughly enjoyed our guided tour of the Pentagon, our private meeting with Congressman Chet Edwards’ assistant, and dining in Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ office, I was most impressed with a homeless woman. She lives on the sidewalk across the street from the front entrance of the White House.
Concepcion Picciotto has lived in Washington D.C.’s Lafayette Park since 1981 protesting against nuclear proliferation. [Image courtesy of dawvon]
A true champion for her cause, Concepcion Picciotto can be found every day in Lafayette Park, where she first took up residence in 1981. Her valiant message: “Stop building nuclear weapons, and let’s use the money to eliminate poverty.” I expect this may strike a chord with some of you, but my intention is not to condemn or condone her proposition. Rather, I am intrigued by her selfless devotion to a particular cause for nearly three decades.
Over the course of twenty-nine years, Mrs. Picciotto has been harassed by police; She has been the subject of foul language from tourists; She’s frozen in the winter’s chill and sweltered through the summers; She’s even been physically abused by one of this nation’s servicemen. Yet you will always find her in her homemade tent. A milk crate serves as her makeshift bed and she survives only on what is given to her by local residents and visitors, whether it is a loaf of bread or pocket change. She suffers for her cause, but she does not complain. She rejoices in people willing to listen to her cause.
Picciotto is originally from Spain and is fluent in seven languages. I had the privilege of watching her give her message to a group of French tourists passing by one night. I had absolutely no idea what their conversation consisted of, but I remember feeling a strong sense of peace. I was content in watching this woman exercise her fundamental right to free speech amid persecution.
In reflecting on her dedication to halting nuclear efforts, I found myself searching for something in my life for which I would be willing to sacrifice the roof over my head. My stomach knotted over the answer that, at that time, I could not produce.
Ms. Picciotto inspired me to sit down and examine how my current ways will impact my future. Was I content with the direction in which I was headed? Did I really want to pursue the career I was working toward? Through a great deal of prayer, persecution, and grace, I emerged confident in the path on which I now walk. I know who I am willing to suffer for and rejoice in persecution.
For what or whom would you give all you have in exchange for self-imposed homelessness? What makes your heart ache? Most people avoid answering these questions because of the unpleasant feelings such convictions bring. I challenge you to consider this: Take away the car, the signing bonus, the diploma, the debit card, all of life’s conveniences, and are you content with the person staring back at you in the mirror? If I can find peace, surely you can too!
