It’s not about giving and receiving; it’s not about “It’s better to give than receive”; it’s not about “I received more than I gave.” And it is not about “I just want to make a difference.” It’s mutual. This is why it can’t be about you. If it is, then it becomes “collecting people,” incessant ingratiating, and a frantic credentialing of self. What is hoped for is a lighter grasp, a gentler receiving. Can we love people, then have our reciprocal expectations disappear? I don’t empower anyone at Homeboy Industries. But if one can love boundlessly, then folks on the margins become utterly
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