What Does Sam Shoemaker Have to Say to Us Today?

Introduction

Faith at Work has been around a long time. Sam Shoemaker first gathered people in the church basement of Calvary Episcopal Church (NYC) in the 1920’s. Ever since, people have been coming together to speak honestly about what it might mean to put their faith to work in the world.

Throughout this rich history, there have been FAW leaders and friends who have written about faith from this relational perspective. Archives Alive is an attempt to not only lift up some of that excellent writing, but to dialogue with it. In each issue this year, one FAW staff member will present a writing from the archives, along with a reflection on its importance today.

Introduced to Sam

Although he departed this earth in 1963, Sam Shoemaker’s influence can still be felt.

Sam first came to my attention in connection with what’s known as the Pittsburgh Experiment which was launched in 1955 when I was 5 years old and living in “the Steel City.” It was only after college that I first learned about Sam and his Experiment but in 1955 it was a bold move and even merited mention in the March 21, 1955 edition of Time magazine. Fast forward to 1994 and Faith at Work — I am introduced to Sam again as (what I like to call) “the patron saint of Faith at Work.” After all, it was Sam who founded Faith at Work while he was the rector of Calvary Episcopal Church in New York City.

Sam was a prolific writer having written over thirty books spanning simple titles such as How to Find God to powerful titles such as Courage to Change (a 12-Step book). Yes, Sam was also instrumental in the AA movement. In fact, Bill W. gave Sam credit as one of the co-founders of AA.

Of all Sam’s writings, however, the one that speaks to me most deeply is his poem “I Stand By the Door” which is also known by the title “I Stand Near the Door.” I never read this poem without getting inspired.

Sam’s thoughts are really quite simple. He encourages us to be present to people as they find their way to God. Sam makes it clear that we are to stand by or near the door not in the door, lest we get in the way. It is in standing by the door that we can be of greatest service.

Offering Hospitality

Recently, my husband, Dan Davis and I have been exploring our call to provide hospitality to others. We are great hosts and it’s easy for us to reach out to people. But lately we have been reflecting on what it means to enlarge our circle of hospitality to include those who are not like us. It seems to me that Sam’s words are an appeal to stand by the door for all who seek God — not just those with whom we are comfortable but those who are different from us and who like us yearn for the touch of the Holy.

It occurred to me how Sam’s poem still moves people today when a fellow classmate in my Spirituality and Pastoral Counseling class chose “I Stand By the Door” as her opening devotion for our class. It was a great reminder of how Sam’s words continue to call us into relationship with one another and the living God — just by standing at the door.