Examples of being on the point of the wedge blade abound. As previously noted, sometimes it involves taking a risk, possibly exposing oneself to an unwanted outcome, to achieve a greater good. Sometimes it involves ones considerable time and effort to help those in need. The phrase “laying down your life” does not necessarily mean giving up your life. In extreme cases that has happened. In most cases that is not a requirement.
Many years ago, Carl Bell , a conservative Mayor of Wichita, and member of PVCC, stood for supporting the rights of black citizens. It was an unpopular stance among many. He must have known his position was counter to his base. He did not win reelection.
For over 40 years Inee & Marilyn Yoon devoted time and money on behalf of the Asian community in Wichita. Inee helped start the Wichita Asian Association and the Wichita Indo Chinese Center, where he was a volunteer Director. Marilyn helped at least two Asian refugee families and was a volunteer, teaching English as a second language.
At times institutions can arrive on the point of the wedge blade. The Muslim community needed a facility to host a Muslim grade school while raising funds to build their own mosque and school. They conducted an exhaustive search for a church that would host them. Eventually, they approached Pine Valley. Our church agreed to host the Muslim school. Melanie Naden led the charge to make necessary adaptations to our building and make it happen. Our church received hate mail and threats from the Wichita community for helping Muslim people.
Other examples will follow in the next article. If you have a personal experience of being on the wedge blade or know others that have, please share them with me.
Phil Dietz