More from DeVonna R. Allison

Hello, Roomies!

As I recall the Maundy Thursday service I wrote of today, I remember the good people with whom I served in the Mennonite church. As we got to know one another we shared our stories. They learned that I joined the Marines at 17 years old to escape my abusive childhood home. The military fed, housed, and clothed me, while also giving me access to college and medical care. Those things would have been impossible for a teenager, alone in the world, to acquire on her own. 

I in turn learned how young men from “peace churches” such as Mennonite, Church of the Brethren, and Religious Society of Friends have suffered violence in their own communities, being labeled as cowards and traitors due to being conscientious objectors. For example, Greta, whom I wrote about in my devotion, had an uncle who was dragged behind a vehicle down Main St. in his hometown for refusing to serve in WWII. Some young men were even sent to federal prison for refusing to serve in the military because of their faith.

As is usually the case, the more we learned about one another, the more our respect, understanding, and love for one another grew. Greta and I became very good friends. By building relationships and serving together, Jesus’ command to “love one another” (see Jn. 13:34) becomes possible.