Missionary -

Because of this, the word carries baggage. In many global south communities, "missionary" is still a slur, shorthand for religious imperialism.

The old model was additive: We bring Jesus. We bring medicine. We bring schools. We bring civilization. Missionary

The pith helmet is gone. The pocket watch is broken. What remains is the quiet, terrifying, glorious call to simply show up and love. Because of this, the word carries baggage

But words are living things. They evolve, get bruised by history, and sometimes—if we’re lucky—get redeemed. Because of this

And that, I think, is a mission worth keeping.