Last weekend I Went…
Down a zip-line with a guy who wont ever fly in a plane.
A man who had hit rock bottom no more than 7 months ago. A man who has spent 17 years in prison. A man who didn't smell clean. A man who 99.9% of the world wouldn't approach. A man who had was nicknamed "Spider" as a teenageer in prison because of his lankyness and how he had to earn his respect by overcoming his size differences and laying out one of the inmates trying to touch him. A man whose face isn't straight becuase of the fights in prison and on the streets as a homeless man. A man who had 6 teeth. A man who loves to smoke cigarettes. A man who doesn't speak proper because of the damage heroine has done to him. A man who is 50, but looks more like 70. A man who has been through it all.
A man who is on fire living for Jesus more than anybody I have ever seen. A man who was taught the gospels of Jesus without Jesus ever being mentioned. A man who saw the gospels being lived with his eyes. A man who loves his past and where it has brought him now. A man who wants me to meet all of his homeless buddies. A man who loves his cigarettes. A man who shares his story with you over and over because he is so excited to live for Jesus. A man who helped plan and rallied 100 homeless from the inside to come to a Christmas dinner. A man that loves. A man that wants to be loved. A man who is humble. A man who is loved dearly by Jesus. A man who knows and understands that.
A man who touched my heart. A man who is my newest friend…
E, sounds like you had an amazing weekend. I’m excited for you, can’t wait to hear some stories!
I love that you got to meet and actually connect with this guy. I think we should all have such an opportunity. We have a lot to learn from the people most of us would just as soon ignore. Thanks.
Isn't it amazing at the people you meet that are followers of the Lord? We all have a story, we've all come from different backgrounds. But the common connection that we all have with one another is the passion for Christ in our lives.
I love talking with “those” that others are 'intimidated' or 'afraid' to talk to. People that are different in appearance, or dialect are always the one's I tend to be intrigued by. Everyone has a story to tell and I love hearing their stories.
I am so very glad that you had this experience with your new friend. When we come across people like that in our lives, it seems as though are passion and fire for God ignites even stronger. It puts people in perspective.
This is certainly a man that had hit rock bottom. But how much does God loves those that are broken?
Sometimes I wish that I was stripped of all that I thought I knew and had, so that I could finally realize how much I truly needed the Lord in my life.
I think another thing that is amazing about making new friends in Christ is that, sometimes when you think you have been placed into someone's life to inspire or encourage them, they end up doing the exact same thing for you.
I pray that your new friend continues on with such a remarkable drive and passion for the Lord!!
Isn't God good?