(e)mergent Voyageurs

Co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, Dorothy Day is one of the single greatest inspirations in my life. Her willingness to serve and live with the poor, while still naming and engaging the systematic injustices of the world, challenges me to see that to battle the principalities of this age, I must be rooted in the lives of those who need the liberty. In so doing, Day models what Christ promises us- that we will discover that our own liberty is caught up in theirs. Additionally, as a writer from a long line of journalists, I love the way she used her writing gifts to effec change and express herself.

For those wanting to know more about Dorothy Day, read her moving autobiography "The Long Loneliness". For a more accessible (if a forgivably watered down) version of her story, see the movie "Entertaining Angels", also an excellent resource.


Dr. King was the first person who taught me that social and spiritual realities are most often one and the same. He taught me the power of a revolution of non-violence and love, even in the face of hatred, suffering and death. As I read more about his life, I also see the failures and mistakes of his life, which serve NOT to discredit him, but to give me hope that in my own flawed humanity I can do great things. It is important to remember the injustice that was done in the name of a "Christian" world, but also that there were men & women who could respond to this with true Christlikeness.

For a great exploration of MLK's life, read "The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr". You would also not be disappointed by reading any of his many sermons, many found online.


I bought "Return of the Prodigal Son" by Henri Nouwen on a whim, reading it in less than 12 hours. It was a book the marks a point of change in my life. Nouwen's authority as a writer deepened after his involvement serving at the Daybreak L'Arche community in Ontario, where he was loved for himself, not his brilliant mind and served those who could never acknowledge his sacrifice. He struggled with homosexuality orientation, yet was dedicated in obedience to both his vows and his faith.

His published journal, "The Genesee Diary", is such an honest glimpse into the heart, mind and life of the author, I think it is a must read.


In addition to being a brilliant Biblical scholar and "discipler", Bonhoeffer lived his life authentically according to his deepest held beliefs in a time that left little room for compromise. His conflicted involvement in the attempted assissination of Hitler does not cast the shadow upon my admiration of him, but reminds me that we cannot always be sure of what is right, but neither can we stand still. He is a true martyr of the faith that I deeply respect.

Of his books, the powerful "The Cost of Discipleship" and the essential "Life Together" immediately come to mind. Also, the movie "Bonhoeffer: Agent of Grace" is also an excellent portrayal of some of the crucial events of his last years.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the people who are inspirations to me. I can think of many others, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Peter Maurin, Medgar Evers, St. Francis of Assisi, to name a few more. You will also see that the nature of this list reflects the realities of my life & ministry in the inner city neighbourhood, where issues of poverty, race and injustice is ever-present.

I look forward to hearing from you.