I am a person who believes in the American Dream. If you work hard enough, you can achieve all things. All it takes is harder work. Get on it and get it done. My law school internship with the Justice and Mercy Legal Aid Clinic (JAMLAC) at Joshua Station was a wake-up call from that dream.
I was hoping that the experience would provide me with an opportunity to really embrace a calling that I’ve had to help the poor and oppressed with legal issues. I was hoping for an experience that I could walk away from after I pass the bar exam, and eventually return to “fight” another day. I was hoping for an experience filled with excitement and challenges which spurred adrenaline, ignited the endorphins, and touched the soul. Much to my surprise, I received the experience I was looking for… but—and this is a big but(t)—I received much more than I bargained for.
My wake-up call was twofold. First, I confess that down deep, I have something inside that says that the poor “should be able to work harder and figure it out.” Through the internship I saw vividly that sometimes that there are other factors to consider which can substantially impact the outcome. Specifically, I’m talking about environment, socioeconomics, intellect, knowledge, personal experiences, and wisdom. It’s really not about just working harder. There is so much more.
Second, to do this thing right, it takes a real servant’s heart. I got into this law gig to help the poor and the oppressed. I was thinking that I would just step in and save whoever needed saving. Well, it’s a little bit harder than that. Surprise, surprise! I have always thought of myself as someone who cares and reaches out to help, but I’m learning the depth that it takes to not only help people, but also love them. I think that this is the real help they not only need, but really deserve! I saw this kind of love clearly and vividly in Steve and Sulma at JAMLAC. Both are truly gifted in how they help people and, more importantly, love them! They are two amazingly talented people who I had the privilege to observe, work with, and learn from.
My internship has been a learning curve that keeps on curving. I am seeing that I need to deprogram much of my upbringing and ways of thinking. I am invigorated to learn more about the law, but more importantly, myself.
Jose Escobar
Father to five crazy kids
Husband to a beautiful pastor
Struggles to love others like Jesus
Keeps fighting the fight
Comments (2)
Thanks for sharing, Jose. And thank you for working with the clients. I often think and feel that if I were faced with the same challenges many of our JAMLAC clients face I would be in much worse shape than they are in. I Praise God for the opportunity to learn from them--and from you.
Posted by Steve Thompson | January 18, 2008 11:22 AM
Posted on January 18, 2008 11:22
Thanks Jose- what you are learning, both technical and "of the heart", are so important- Thank you for invigorating our lives with your kindness and drive, alike. You already love well, my friend.
Posted by Sage H | January 20, 2008 9:51 PM
Posted on January 20, 2008 21:51