| The Compassionate Rebel: Energized by Anger, Motivated by Love Written and edited by Burt F. Burlowe, Rebecca A. Janke, and Julie D. Penshorn (Communities for Peace, 2002), available at area bookstores, or ordered directly from the publisher online at www.peacemaker.org. or by calling (651) 257-2478. Too often these days we are encouraged to unify as consumers, and "keep America rolling." It's a hollow response to people interested in helping during a time of national crisis. The need for voices like those profiled in The Compassionate Rebel has taken on a poignant urgency as we reflect on recent world events. We need stories to inspire us to find our own unique ways to contribute--and that's what the compassionate revolution is all about. Everyone has the capacity to act on their values in some way, to transform grief into action. The compassionate rebels profiled in this book have created answers to myriad social and economic problems--community violence, abuse, racism, poverty and injustice--by looking in their hearts first for nonviolent solutions. Many of the people interviewed in this book had to overcome some of those same issues, ultimately choosing to be part of the solution. All of them have emerged triumphant, if not a little scathed. The stories reveal immensely courageous acts, but are also nuanced tales of the human condition, how un-perfect people can and do change the world. People like you and me. "Sometimes we do the things we do simply because we have no other way of looking at life," said Thomas La Blanc, one of the book's interview subjects. Compassionate rebels have demonstrated how the simple act of gaining self-respect can open your mind, and motivate your concern for others. People like Mona Satre, a grieving widow, and Vivian Ironheart, a woman who was in recovery, transformed their own situations by helping troubled youth. "I wanted to open their eyes to the possibilities of the world," said Ironheart because of the support she had received during her time in treatment. People touched by others carry the torch of justice and compassion. The Compassionate Rebel is one such torch-passing. This book is an incredible resource for anyone, but especially those interested in nonviolent techniques for child rearing, teaching and community building. Following each profile is a list of resources for reflection and action, and questions for contemplation. The resource list is exhaustive and interesting, with a creative bent and non-mainstream focus. A typical resource list may include how-to books, teaching manuals, fiction, memoir, websites and organization listings. These lists alone makes the book a valuable resource, but it is the stories themselves that make the resources more compelling. The writers and editors approach to the material is open and inquisitive. They portray their subjects as approachable people, a result of skillful interviewing--and the photos in the book contribute to the sense that on some level you know these people. The story tellers themselves are also to be celebrated for their forthright honesty. Sheila Foster's bravery going on the record about the abuse she suffered as a child speaks volumes about her character as well as the aim of this book--to transform hurtful human experience into something positive, moving beyond blame to compassion and action. According to the compassionate rebels, the rewards of peace-work can be very personal as well as global, and reading about their efforts is satisfying. More than that though, the compassionate revolution led by these individuals gives us the motivation to act. As Thomas La Blanc pointed out, "The more I travel, the more I believe bad people are outnumbered. More people are doing good. We just don't hear about it. There's a part for everybody to play to create a culture of peace." -- by Patricia Cumbie, a writer and editor for the Mix: A Twin Cities Natural Food Co-ops Publication |
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