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.

Angels Calling

Hi, it's been a while since I've written. I hope this finds you doing well. Ya know, I've heard the saying "Little miracles happen around us every day, you just have to open your eyes to see them." Days like today, I couldn't agree more with that.

Last week, I met a woman named Katherine. Katherine was in desperate need of a wheelchair. She was in an old wheelchair but it was basically falling apart on her. 

she was quiet and sat in the corner. Her friends approached me and asked if I could help them find one for her. I began my search on social media, but much to my dismay, I didn't yield any results. Next, I turned to local hospitals. I called one hospital, and they directed me to their internal medical supplies group. I left a message but didn't hear back for several days. When I finally did hear back, it was a man. He told me he did have a wheelchair, but he was leary to give it to me. As I introduced myself and we got to talking he stopped me and said, "But how did you get my number?" I thought that was weird. "I just left a message at the medical supplies number they directed me to," I replied. His response gave me chills... "I don't work for a medical supplies company or a hospital." I thought that was a little out of the ordinary. I responded to him "Wow, God is good then because he worked that out!" Again his reply floored me, "God is so good, and always works things out." The way the tone of his voice changed when he said that instantly brought tears to my eyes. After a little more visiting, we agreed on where to meet. "You will recognize me." He said about how to find him when I got there. After pause too long to be a coincidence, he described what he drove and where in the Bucees parking lot we would meet. (Don't worry it will be a safe meet up) :)

I called the woman who needed the wheelchair as soon as I got off the phone with him, and I could hear her crying through the phone, as she told me she had been looking for a year for someone to help her since she couldn't afford one.

It's pretty easy to blow off a conversation like that and chalk it all up to coincidence. However, I am convinced everything happens for a reason. Besides, how would my message wind up on a perfect strangers phone? How would he just happen to have a wheelchair he was willing to donate, and how would he happen to be driving through Houston.

God is so faithful and always provides! I have chills as I sit here wondering if maybe that was an angel among us.

Go forth and set the world on fire!

Meet my Friend, Benjamin

This is Benjamin. Benjamin is a beautiful soul, and so full of joy. Benjamin's story is a little different from the other stories because the community helped to tell it. Benjamin suffers from a large tumor on the side of his face that makes everyday tasks difficult for him. He is a little slower, but despite all of that he is always smiling. Benjamin was born in Africa (country unknown) and brought to America when he was little. Benjamin lived in Little Rock, Arkansas for the early years of his life. When he was in his late teenage years, his parents brought him to Houston, Texas. Benjamin's parents could not support him any longer, so they left him on a street corner in front of a soup kitchen. Benjamin has been living on the streets ever since. Benjamin's prize possession is the long coat he wears. It is covered in years of dust, but he proudly takes it with him wherever he goes. The community is so kind to him and always seems to take care of him. Today, I greeted him while he was getting his food. He was so excited, and showed me over to where he sits to eat. We squeezed in on a bench together. He was excited to show me what he had for lunch, and ask me where I was from. I watched as he struggled to eat, but when I asked how lunch was, he happily responded it was very good.  Although Benjamin struggles to eat, he never turns down seconds- haha! He is always in the best of spirits and you can feel the presence of God moving through this man!! Spending time with Benjamin always leaves me wondering if maybe there are angels among us. 

Be Not Afraid

Today's post is short and sweet :)

Don't let fear stop you from serving others! Be not afraid, the people you encounter are just hungry. Who knows, maybe you will encounter an angel among us.