I Prayed For My Neighbors, Look What Happened and I Prayed For My Neighbors….Part II describe how, after months of praying for my neighbors and our community, my husband and I were drawn into a calamity. Columbia University, the largest private land owner in NYC, was pushing a plan to close down part of our street to expand their campus. After demolishing apartment buildings across the street and erecting a huge conference center….
This gargantuan building looms over our small residential street!
…they want to expand their campus onto our street!
Although they are confident and shovel ready, CU could not proceed with campus expansion unless they obtained approval by the governing Community Board.
With Columbia’s ongoing pattern of displacing residents and shutting small businesses, our community was alarmed and, as we drew together, Bob and I came to know and more personally care about them. We spoke out in public gatherings and united.
We won on 12/4/17, when the Community Board voted against CU.
But over the past 3 months, Board members changed and ‘temporary appointees’ strategically put in – suddenly CU pushed back on their agenda although they had no justification to appeal the last decision!
Once again, we canvassed and met with residents…petitions, signs, flyers…nothing left undone. We prayed, especially to assure that we were in God’s will. If “the nations are a drop in the bucket” to God, could our little street have any significance to Him? Is there anything of eternal value knitted into this issue?
Bob said, “I keep going back to Proverbs 31:8, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves..” The NLT states, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.”
Columbia had a small cluster of executives…but in their midst was our City Councilman!
The entire community was prepared to speak, many had done research on vital traffic issues that would preclude CU’s plan. There were strong procedural objections from community representatives. Many, if not most, came to express their outrage of CU’s ongoing neighborhood take over.
While public input is protocol, the ‘interim’ chairperson said, “You are all welcome to stay but will not be acknowledged to speak. We are voting on this issue without public input.” BAMBOOZLED!!
The uproar and outcry could not be stopped. Almost unbelievably, an elderly Hispanic man came up to my husband and asked, “Sir, could you speak for me? I cannot speak for myself.”!
Bob did speak and, while I truly seek to obey scripture (Submit to governing authorities), a deep lament welled up in me. I did not speak on the material I had planned, but stood up and cried out,
“You’re betraying us! You’re supposed to represent us!! You will nullify yourselves in this community – No one will trust you!!”
They turned their faces from the public and voted, majority in favor of Columbia.
The cluster of executives walked away happy, in the company of our City Councilman! The final step is approval by the General Board – CU does not look worried.
Should we press on to the General Board? Are we totally defeated?
The only question that need be answered is this: what is God’s will? The Lord can lead us into what seems unwinnable – and we might be defeated! But God is never defeated, never. With Sovereign God, the ‘thing at hand’ isn’t always His focus.
Although pointing to our spiritual battles, this excerpt from Anchored in the Cross challenges us to endure in the battle….
“Great victories come from great warriors! Great warriors are made from greatness of character!….Territory is always vital in war. It’s a battle of turf and who will occupy the ground. Has the enemy attempted to enter your home, children, family?…We must stand and defend the territory God has given us and not allow the enemy to overtake it…..
What does it require inside you in order to stand relentlessly?…God uses people in your life to build character that will make you a fighter for the Kingdom of God…
Outnumbered?…with God with you, you’re never outnumbered and have no need to retreat….It not only takes boldness to stand, but faith as well. Numbers are irrelevant when God is with you.
We prayed for our neighbors, met them and came alongside them into the battle. I believe that boldness is strengthening my heart, enabling me to speak to strangers and in public forums with conviction. If God is “training my hand for war; my fingers for battle” then I believe those skills will be used for God’s Kingdom.
Speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves? Training my hands for war? Go on to the General Board meeting? Only God knows. I pray that He will order our steps. No matter what, His purposes will not be defeated, in His shadow we will find victory.
theburninglampdotcom 
Lisa Beth, I’m sorry this is happening in your neighborhood. Politicians tend to cater to the deep-pocketed institutions. I pray to the Lord that His will be done in this matter, but that He helps you guys preserve your neighborhood. Please keep us updated.
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Thank you so much Tom, for your encouragement and concern! May the Lord lead this charge and guide us. Will post new developments, thanks again.
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I join you in prayer knowing that the righteous wont be forsaken and that God will be glorified in the end!
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Thank you so much, I really appreciate your prayerful support!
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This is extremely encouraging to read, Lisa Beth. Even if CU wins the physical battle, you have already won a spiritual battle as in one way or another you have witnessed of the greatness and glory of our Lord. Having said this, I’m still praying for physical victory. It’s a battle worth fighting!
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Thank you so much, David, for your encouragement and prayer! It is said that every trial is opportunity for God to display His powerful attributes. He is our only advantage. (But WHAT an advantage!) Let’s see what God will do. Thanks again brother!
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Well said, Lisa Beth.
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Oh, dear me… this is a travesty! Prayers for you and your community as I click on “Post Comment.” ❤
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Thank you so much, Lynn! We appreciate your prayer support so much.
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Hi Lisa. Continue to pray and I will join you in prayer. Don’t give up. It is not over until God said it is over. Allow the Lord to lead and direct you and always remember when one door closes another will open. I pray that God will continue to strengthen you. Have a blessed week.
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Thank you so much Beverley for such encouragement! The Lord is teaching me so much in this battle. Perhaps we’ll need the strength even more in the days to come. Looking forward to posting new developments! Thanks again Sister, really appreciate your visit and prayers. 🌹
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What a blessing sister Lisa! This is so encouraging! I can feel your heart in this post! It’s such a blessing to hear people make a stand for those who cannot. It reminds me of the love of Jesus when man was hopelessly lost in sin and could not redeem himself. The son stepped out and stood up for us giving His life for us! God bless you sister friend!
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Brother, your words mean so much, I have such esteem for you as a servant of the Lord. This battle is bigger than imagined and we have been betrayed by some who might have truly helped us. But that only compels us to trust the Lord more…”By my God I can leap over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect…He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” Thank you again, Brother Bruce, for your encouraging and refreshing words!
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You’re so welcome! Just know that I am binding together with you in prayer and trusting God to intervene!
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Great post, Lisa and I love that quote from Anchored in the Cross. Keep fighting the good fight!
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Thank you Benjamin! Please pray for us. Public hearing is Tuesday, 6/26. We’re up against a Goliath who has unlimited wealth, political pull, and lobbyists. God is our only hope!
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Hi Lisa Beth – although my battle is different, I have the same feeling that the devil is encroaching on my personal territory. It angers me and sometimes I allow it to minimize my faith. Thank you for the inspiration this morning! I hope you get a chance to go to the general board!
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Terri, it’ so good to hear from you! Thank you for your encouraging comment. Columbia has been pushing hard with lobbying and pulling political strings. As the largest landowner in NYC, they carry a lot of weight. But it ALL depends on God, who is sovereign over all. We’re trusting Him…let’s see what He will do on Tuesday at the General Board vote – will be writing about it for sure. Think of you and pray for you often sister, thanks again!
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More grace
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