A role model for the aspiring hero

Last night I went to hear Keith McHenry, co-founder of “Food Not Bombs”, speak at Vanderbilt about his many exploits over the 26 years that he’s been involved with one of the most prolific, widespread and influential peace movements ever established. He spoke with great humor and enthusiasm of quitting his job, along with several other like-minded individuals, to collect food from local establishments for cooking and serving to the poor and homeless. This small band of young idealists had this “radical” concept that by helping others and providing for their most basic need, by acting directly out of selflessness and compassion rather than selfishness or fear, they could create a genuine, community-centered alternative to the predominant mindset of individualism (‘I’ve got mine, Baby”), hoarding, controlling, intimidation and domination that seems to have forever been the hallmark of prevailing power structures (and consequently, much of society). They did this so well, in fact, despite constant arrests and harassment, that they succeeded in inspiring an ever-widening worldwide network of volunteer groups who’ve followed their model and made it their singular mission to help the needy and promote a culture of non-violence and giving. In the form of Keith McHenry is a brave and unpretentious man who has truly lived his deepest convictions, without regret or apology.
Why such an amazingly simple, pure idea is thought of as “radical” at all has always been somewhat of a mystery to me. What other way is there to true peace and healing in the world? Is that not what Jesus and every other great spiritual teacher has taught throughout the millennia? Is not our greatest happiness found in communion with others, and in the recognition that we really are, and have always been, our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers? Yet we allow this misguided notion to persist, based on fear and endlessly perpetuated by political leaders and mainstream media, that there is some reasonable alternative. We blindly accept the message that through suppression and control of others (invariably identified as the “problem” or the “enemy”), through the creation and acquisition of “goods” (and increasingly, entire resources), and through “protecting our own” – which automatically necessitates keeping someone else out – we can achieve… what? Security? Peace? “Freedom”? What kind of freedom is it that belongs to some more than others, and still others not at all?
If you look for good, you’ll find it everywhere. Conversely, if you look for reasons not to believe or have hope, you’ll find plenty of those, too. Cynicism and apathy are easy. Living in our highest truth, without excuses, maybe not so simple – although perhaps the only sure way to real happiness. When we’re able to catch a glimpse of what it means to be fully engaged in living that higher truth, such as the one offered by Keith McHenry, we should take heed.