In the last two weeks I've been put on the spot. Both times I was asked by people I highly regard to do something I love to do but not necessarily in public. Both times I was asked to play guitar and sing some songs.
2 weeks ago Aunt Ethel asked me to play a little for the family on the front porch. All I can think about when I'm asked that is, "how awkward is that going to be?" But I did it and loved it. As the Zeilstra family sang old hymns on the front porch of Nirvana Manor, the Spirit moved. He brought this family that lives 1500 miles apart, together in spirit through my slight talent. And I was glad that I was asked to do that, what I assumed would be, awkward thing.
Last night LeBlanc, the guy that heads up the evening services at SafeHouse, asked me to play a little and sing some songs. When LeBlanc speaks, you listen. So I reluctantly sat down in front of around 150 strangers from the streets and sang some songs.
I've played coffeehouses before. I figured it would be just like that. And it was, until...
I was at the park this afternoon getting ready to play games with one of the street kids when a man in his forties came up to me and said, "hey, I was there last night when you played. I enjoyed it a lot. I want to show you my son."
This man then pulled out his phone and showed me all the pictures he had of his almost 1 year old boy. He then opened up to me and told me about his lady friend and his old addictions and where he stays and how he's working to get his boy in his custody instead of the state's.
This man (I do know his name as well as his son's) heard me sing songs and decided that I am someone to share his life with. If only he knew what was going through my head when LeBlanc asked if anyone could lead music and the kids all ratted me out.
So this man, not quite homeless, but not very comfortable either, went out of his way to let me know that he appreciated me. He heard me sing a song about my daughter and figured I would want to hear about his son. And when he told me, I was hooked. His story was very interesting, but more importantly, I felt used.
I'm reading a little about Moses. He didn't want to, he gave God tons of excuses, but he did it.
I'm not very good. 8 years ago I was thrown into this position of leading through song, and I accepted. It is incredible how I've been used through my ministry. Again, I'm not very good, but because I was willing to hear God's call I have been blessed beyond what I ever thought I would be. I'll say it again, I'm not very good, but I know that I will be used.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Monday, July 16, 2012
SHOAtl
I'm back at a place I've learned to love. Atlanta in July. Every 4 years my job brings me to intercity Atlanta to serve the homeless. We serve with an organization called Safehouse. (since I'm only typing this on my phone I will have to just type their website. www.safehouseoutreach.org) Every night of the year, except Thanksgiving, (there is a huge dinner at Turner Field on Thanksgiving) they have a worship service and meal for the homeless of Atlanta.
This is my 5th time working with SHO, and every time I come, I am amazed at the work they do. But every time I come I am also reminded of how fortunate I am.
Tonight during the service, two little girls about 3 and 4 years old were sitting with their mother. The girls just wanted to braid our high school girls hair. These girls live on the street. My daughters are 6 and 4. That's all.
I love my time at Safehouse. I've learned so much. I've talked to some incredible people, both street people and employees. I've learned how to talk to total strangers and show them compassion. I've learned to listen to their stories, because people love to tell their stories. I've learned to look past my prejudices when it comes to street people. They are people, like you, like me, like my kids.
Today at the park, Carrie and I talked to three people. We didn't share The Gospel story with them, but we listened to their jokes and invited them to the service that evening. We laughed with them and valued them. They valued us. (think about that one)
So I ask for your prayers. Pray that God continues to work through SHO. Pray that God will work through this team, this week. And pray that we all be able to see what he wants us to learn.
This is my 5th time working with SHO, and every time I come, I am amazed at the work they do. But every time I come I am also reminded of how fortunate I am.
Tonight during the service, two little girls about 3 and 4 years old were sitting with their mother. The girls just wanted to braid our high school girls hair. These girls live on the street. My daughters are 6 and 4. That's all.
I love my time at Safehouse. I've learned so much. I've talked to some incredible people, both street people and employees. I've learned how to talk to total strangers and show them compassion. I've learned to listen to their stories, because people love to tell their stories. I've learned to look past my prejudices when it comes to street people. They are people, like you, like me, like my kids.
Today at the park, Carrie and I talked to three people. We didn't share The Gospel story with them, but we listened to their jokes and invited them to the service that evening. We laughed with them and valued them. They valued us. (think about that one)
So I ask for your prayers. Pray that God continues to work through SHO. Pray that God will work through this team, this week. And pray that we all be able to see what he wants us to learn.
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