Homeboy receives people; it doesn’t rescue them. In being received rather than rescued, gang members come to find themselves at home in their own skin. Homeboy’s message is not “You can measure up someday.” Rather, it is: “Who you are is enough.” And when you have enough, you have plenty. In this effort, we are always paying attention and are obedient to that. The word “obey” has its origin in “listening.” It is difficult to truly and deeply listen. When a homie is sitting in front of my desk, the mantra on a continuous loop in my head is “Stay listening.” Another handy one is “Now. Here.
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