Hales may have a distinct idea of what "suburbs" look like, but I think her observations and challenges apply to anyone in any area who is tempted to find personal safety, security, and satisfaction as their highest good, being surrounded by a culture that teaches this. And I would argue that's most of us in this cultural moment. She does speak uniquely into the the issues facing the demographic who is isolated or just closed off from the needs of others or who is tempted to idolize house, home, and family. I love that Hales first reminds us of God's greater story, and that our ultimate good is in seeking him. Having this perspective, many of our outward actions look the same, but this orientation leads to true contentment and belonging, and does lead to a life of true sacrifice that looks different than what the world is selling. Lots to think on and apply here.
"When we try to find ourselves in a product only available to a select few, we miss out on finding both the kingdom of God and ourselves. Ultimately, because a house remains imminently 'chase-able,' as the chief object of our desires, we equate rootedness, safety, and shelter with an object that money can buy. We answer our hunger for home and belonging with a house.... Houses are more than mere objects, more than status symbols, more than indicators of wealth and privilege. We hope, of course, to find home in them. But we also hope to find ourselves. The sovereign self is inextricably linked to the house... In our homes we choose... Our practices of home and the stuff of home illustrate what we value. For most of us in the suburbs, we ultimately value ourselves."
"As we walk this line of detaching ourselves from the shiny objects we pursue for belonging and run to the Man of Sorrows, we will find contentment. There alone is belonging, no matter your circumstances. The good life is only in the suburbs to the extent that you, in the suburbs, are in God. God is our promised land, our ultimate home."
"Staying put is not based on permanence, it is a call of presence."
"We functionally trust in our wealth, not Jesus to save us."
She mentions a quote from this article where Stern describes the research that being exposed to those in need makes us more generous, amid findings that the wealthiest among us are statistically likely to give away the least, and it's not likely to be to an organization that helps the poor.
"Also, as an offering to your suburb, you will have to die. Your dreams of the good life will have to be swallowed up into the sweeter story of the gospel, whose narrative arc never has us at its center, but God alone. Every other thing and idea you serve in the suburbs, safety, success, self-provision, self-actualization, productivity, will put you on a treadmill that never ends. There will always be safer fences for you to erect, to protect you and yours, physically and emotionally."
"We embrace sacrifice as the good life" with Jesus as our example.
"Flourishing is only found on the other side of sacrifice."
"My tears are not a liability."
"Placement alone never makes us holy. You glorify God by being a faithful member of your suburb."
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