It's not always easy

Hello, thanks for coming back to read. I want to be the first to tell you: In life, doing good isn't always easy, but it is ALWAYS worth it. Today was my first day back at Loaves and Fishes in almost two weeks, just due to work. As I parked and looked out to the line of people, something in me felt different.

See, the thing is, I didn't really want to go serve today. I wanted to stay home and finish the 97 other things on my to-do list. However, I had this feeling of guilt lingering in me, and I could hear God telling me "Go do this for me, and you will still get everything you need done. Trust in me." Begrudgingly, I thought, "Ughhh God, the beginning of the year is so stressful for teachers, and I really need to get things done, but I guess I'll go." So I went, heart-in-the-wrong-place and all.

I got there with my usual bag of lollipops to share something sweet with my friends. Instantly, I was greeted by hellos, high fives, hugs and "I'm happy to see you's". I was happy to be there, but my heart still wasn't in the right place. As I handed out candy, surrounded by mostly happy and thankful people, all I could focus on was the guy who just took two lollipops and didn't say thank you. "Seriously, what a jerk." I thought to myself.

As I walked through the door and got ready to serve, I stopped by to visit one of my favorites there, however, today just happened to be the day he wasn't in the mood to visit. WOW. I thought. I literally came here for nothing. At this point, I was really irritated. I felt like there were so many other places I could be. Right about that time, an older gentleman who I usually visit with came up to me. "Man I'm so glad you're back." he said as he laughed, "We some bad dudes and some sinners but you always be reminding us God watching over us." I started to smile. Somehow, like God always seems to do, he gave me a perfect teaching moment and a reminder of why I continue to go and serve.

The word sinners stuck out to me. I'm a sinner just like them, heck, we all are. Yet somehow, God calls us to serve others in a capacity far beyond what we will ever be able to understand. US!! ME and YOU!! Sinners, who are no better than the next guy, are asked to be like Christ to others. That's pretty amazing if you ask me.

Anyways, that one conversation changed my outlook on the rest of my visit. Instead, I thought of it as a privilege to be there. I reminded myself that I wasn't doing it for me, I was doing it for God. I was there to remind these people of the great mercy and beauty of God, and on the flip side, he used them to allow me to see his love.

I guess the point of today's story is to remind YOU. We're not perfect. We don't always have good intentions. Just because you see this blog and these pictures doesn't make me or you or anyone any  more or any less of a Christian. In fact, I'm not afraid to admit, I MESS UP... A LOT. But folks, we have a merciful God!!! In the times you feel doubtful, or feel like you don't have the time, go and do whatever God is pushing you to do. He will always provide! In the times you feel angry at the world, or at some, show them love! Trust in God to push you through it. In the times you feel lost, and like you have nowhere to turn, like God isn't listening, TURN TO HIM. See, it's in the times we don't want him, or "don't need him", that we actually need him most. Who knows, maybe that will be the time he will reveal his great mercy to you. Maybe that will be the time you feel his comfort. Maybe that will be the time he allows YOU to be like him to others. Maybe that will be the time you see angels among us.


Here are some pictures from today just to remind you and to remind me of the joy an hours worth of time, and some basic necessities brings to these people :)

The Need Is Great, But These Are The Faces of Hope!

Keeping up with a blog is a little more time consuming than I anticipated, but I promised these people I would share their stories, so that others may pray and hope for them too!

This is Deborah. She is the kindest, and funniest woman I have met there! She works at the kitchen to help with her housing, and to give back to those who gave given to her. She is an incredible woman who work 2 jobs to keep herself on the right track. Deborah is the smiling face so many people look forward to seeing daily. She doesn't have much, but I can't count the number of times I've heard her say "Some day if I get money I am going to help him". She is always thinking of others, and has a deep desire to help them.

This is Louie Louie also works at the Kitchen, but was homeless himself for a quite a while. He has incredible story about how faith in God steered him away from drugs, and onto a good path. Louie has a laugh that is absolutely contagious. He is always laughing and joking with anyone he encounters. He is a hard worker, and everyone loves visiting with him! He is such a beautiful person who truly sees in the good in everything.

This is Marcello. Marcello is from New York, he came here on the promise of a job. Unfortuntately, the job fell through. Marcello is fortunate enough to have temporary housing in the area. He hopes to soon get back on his feet and continue his job as a baker. Marcello is absolutley brilliant!!

This beautiful lady is Mrs. Judy. She has the most welcoming personality. She is the first to greet any one with a great big hug! She has a special place in her heart for young girls struggling on the street. You will often find her sitting next to them listening to them, and giving them comfort. Mrs. Judy proudly wears the jewlery in the picture, which she says she purchased all for a dollar. It is such a treasurer to her, but she is the kind of person who would give it up in a heart beat if it meant she could help someone else. You can usually hear her telling people how good God is, and how blessed she feels. Seeing her is sure to put a smile on anyone's face.

 This is Will. I haven't gotten to know Will very well yet, but I am certain he is a beautiful soul!

Meet Cloud

"You know what, I wish all people did what you did."
"What did I do?"
"You looked us in the eyes, and treated us like real human beings."

This is Cloud, and these are the first words he said to me today. Isn't that crazy? We spend our days wishing for a new car, or a new job, or the latest iphone, and all these people wish for is to be treated like a human being. 

Cloud is a 39 year old man who struggles with drug addiction. As we shared a meal together, Cloud told me about how he got mixed up in drugs years ago. He had tears in his eyes as he began to tell me the life he'd lost over drugs. He lost 2 children, a loving girlfriend, his home, 2 jobs, vehicle, and friends. He fought back tears as he explained that all he wanted to do was to quit drugs. "The power of Satan is so strong, but I know the power of God is stronger. Please, Please pray for me." He said. "This is no one's fault but my own, so don't feel sorry for me, just pray for me." As he continued to talk, my heart broke for him. "You have no idea how hard it is to try and get off streets and off drugs, and feel like no one in the world cares for you." Wow, that one hit deep. Here was a 39 year old man who was on the verge of tears because he just wanted someone to acknowledge him, someone to care about him. As we finished visiting, I shared some words of encouragement, a hug, and promised him I would share his story, so others could pray for him too. Through more teary eyes, and the biggest smile, he managed to say Thank you.

It could be so easy for us to judge Cloud. So easy for us to say, "Well you did it to yourself," and you would be right to say he did it. Heck, Cloud himself admitted it. But see that's the thing, we could spend all day judging the homeless people and be left feeling angry and empty. Or, instead, next time we pass by them we could share a smile, say hello, or even just acknowledge them. Your smile alone may be enough to plant the seeds of hope for them, and who knows, maybe years down the road your smile is what a triggered a series of positive events in their lives. Saint Mother Theresa said it best, "We may not be able to do great things, but we can all do small things with great love." Besides,  you never know when you may be greeting an angel among us.