Weird

I had a conversation with a friend about how the current economic state of affairs has impacted those least able to fend for themselves and the apparent lack of compassion on the part of those equipped to help. She noted that the difficulties for this population are amplified in the city of Portland and wondered how things are in other, more depressed towns like Flint, Michigan. I told her that though I am sure other areas are hard hit, I believe that this area is unique because of it's spiritual makeup. We live in a region of anarchists who's mantra is "Keep Portland Weird." Almost weekly protests, bear out the fact that authority of nearly any sort is the enemy. And even something as lovely and benign as riding a bicycle ('cause who doesn't enjoy a bike ride?)frequently becomes an egregious act because of a subversive bike culture, which plays by it's own rules on the roads (often at it's own peril), that has come into vogue. Folks here simply don't want to be told what to do. They will protest a cause halfway around the world, but ignore the plight of their neighbors around the corner. They are rebels and (surprise, surprise) the least churched state in the union.

After our discussion ended, I was thinking about the word "weird" and decided to look it up. Here's what I found"

Weird: 1. Of, relating to, or caused by witchcraft or the supernatural: MAGICAL. It is derived from an Old English noun wyrd, meaning "fate" (Webster's New Explorer College Dictionary)

This definition speaks volumes. 1 Samuel 15:23 says that "rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry." I would venture to guess that the majority of the population of the area is unaware of the link between their rebellious "weirdness", and witchcraft. They are just living in the moment, doing what feels good, enjoying life on their own terms. They don't realize who has mastered them... cause, like it all not, we all serve a master. I pray for this great city. It grieves my heart. Lord, let my little light shine!

"There is a way that seems right to man, But its end is the way of death." Proverbs 14:12