Rich Dixon asks tough, honest, helpful questions.

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It wouldn’t be much of a stretch to say we are living through some difficult times.

Just in the last week or so we’ve encountered a few people who thought things were okay. Suddenly, through circumstances they couldn’t have foreseen or controlled, they find themselves living on the margin.

I’m pretty sure this isn’t uncommon. Seems like more and more folks are encountering physical, financial, social, or emotional situations beyond their control, situations that leave them in a place they’ve never been – on the margin, just barely getting by or not quite getting by.

As a follower of Jesus, I find myself in a quandary. I’m not one of those close to the margins – at least not yet. Do I withdraw into the safety of my privilege? Do I just continue as though I don’t see the suffering and struggle all around me?

Do I take the risk of attracting attention, and perhaps adverse consequences, by speaking up? Where would an old bald guy in a wheelchair even begin?

As you can see, I have a ton of questions and not very many meaningful answers. I am left, however, with one troubling image.

Jesus was very clear that in his kingdom the last would be first. The bulk of the Sermon on the Mount was directed toward comforting those were struggling.

If I withdraw into the safety of my privilege, I wonder where that leaves me?

Next time – have you ever noticed how conversations with Jesus tend to lead to insights or answers from unlikely sources?

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About The Photo: Last week, Becky and I rode our bikes in beautiful Moab, Utah to finish up our miles for HOPE & FREEDOM CHALLENGE 2025. 146 people accumulated more than 100,000 miles, which are matched $1 per mile by a generous donor to support the kids at the Home of Hope.