Lessons From Tex Evans

Glenn "Tex" Evans is considered the founder of ASP--back in 1969 he led church groups from all over into various places (at the time not limited to "Appalachia" as ASP defines it today...they even worked in Wisconsin). Eventually he had the crazy idea to trust a bunch of 20 year olds to run centers and guide volunteers through their week of service. As the organization grew, in numbers and in resources, things became more organized and Tex left the leadership to others, but continued to serve with ASP. When he passed away, there was one quote that really stuck with everyone and has since become the motto for ASP: "We accept people right where they are, just the way they are." To me, this has always been an incredible challenge. Sure, it's obvious that this applies to families that we serve--we don't impose judgments on the way they live or approach projects with condescension, but this is because we  go into these relationships with this in mind. It makes me wonder how often I have kept this in mind within my everyday encounters and even my strongest friendships and relationships. It doesn't take a lot of wondering before I come to the conclusion that I probably forget about this idea more often than I should. I guess some parts of self-discovery really sting.

I recently discovered a box full of the book "Life Is Like That," written by Tex Evans that I began flipping through, looking for some easy, quick, "just add water" inspiration. In one story, Tex talks about a friend whose favorite saying is, "What is to be will be, and what ain't to be is liable to happen and you might as well get ready fer it!" Now, this is an awesome lesson at anytime--in construction, relationships, life; basically all that is ASP. I'm ready to be open and flexible to the things that "ain't to be" but are "liable to happen" and it seems to me that life can be unpredictable and exciting that way. I feel ready for everything that this year, and my life, might throw at me.

"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." 2 Chronicles 15:7

Guyan Valley center