The tv show called Fear Factor is all about facing your fears! Today was a new day to face one of my fears!
Things started off in the usual way. I went to my spot beside Northminster to pray. Around 7:30 am the school bus came around and I knew that I was going to get to see Geraldine!
I love speaking with her because she loves life and loves God! She is so inspiring to be around. We laugh a lot together. I am ALWAYS smiling after I leave speaking with her.
As I made my final lap around the block I asked God for courage and the ability to face my fears.
Through this journey I have refused to go to the hood or what some may consider the strip by myself! I was scared!
I said to myself that I would only walk down Brookland Park with another person, especially someone of color. In most cases no one will speak to you if you are white. If I am walking with an African American everyone will speak with him, but not to me.
I was too scared to be the only white man on the street. I am always viewed strangely and probably looked at as a cop. This was confirmed today when I spoke to a cop about the situation.
So as I drove away from Northminster I began to plan my next steps. I decided to take a small step forward. Progress for me was to go to six corners and have breakfast at the Firehouse Cafe by myself!
I showed up looking for my waiter, Corey. He was not there.
As a matter of fact NO ONE was in the restaurant except a waitress and the cook. I sat down to eat by myself. It wasn't too long after I got served a WONDERFUL breakfast (cost less than $3), that Martha from Boaz & Ruth showed up unexpectedly!
She asked if she could join me. I said yes and we proceeded to have a great conversation. She gave me some history lessons and began to explain to me the information behind the study called "Unpacking the Census" done by my friend Dr John Moeser whom I met last week.
We had a WONDERFUL time together which was cut short because she had another meeting to go to. We discussed getting together again real soon. I love spending time with Martha!
I love how God meets you right at the place where you fear the most and surprises you when you least expect it!
I hope that I will continue to play Fear Factor and see how God will show his face!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Jigsaw puzzle
What is it that I like about jigsaw puzzles?
It's not the time it takes to put it together. I don't have the patience!
What I like, is the challenge and to see the pieces fit together. I like seeing it take shape!
As this journey unfolds I see some of the pieces fitting together.
Yesterday I got a call from Charles. He said that another house would be available by mid June. What that means is somebody else who needs an affordable place to live will have one. Every non profit that I have come in contact with, has said affordable housing is one solution to homelessness in Richmond. There are not enough affordable places to live in Richmond, but come June there will be ONE MORE!
Another piece of the puzzle, was put in place today when a van was donated to someone in need. Transportation is the biggest hurdle to employment. There are people available to work and work to be had, but a lot of folks don't have transportation to get to work. Just yesterday I was made aware of two job openings, but you needed to have transportation!
The next piece to fit in place was a young man needing a place to sleep. He was living in his car. A call was placed to Cassie of Hands Up Ministry to see if she could help. She met with the young man and spent some time getting to know him. She gave him a chance and the next couple of weeks he will be living in the 4th ave house. This is the house that many from Atlee, as well as many from all over have spent some time fixing up. It is almost finished, but right now it serves as a safe place for someone who was sleeping in their car.
The challenge of it all is to learn what God can do through us, if we are obedient to his call!
A jigsaw puzzle gets put together one piece at a time. It doesn't happen right away.
I am beginning to see the pieces fall into place and the picture of the puzzle is starting to take shape!
It's not the time it takes to put it together. I don't have the patience!
What I like, is the challenge and to see the pieces fit together. I like seeing it take shape!
As this journey unfolds I see some of the pieces fitting together.
Yesterday I got a call from Charles. He said that another house would be available by mid June. What that means is somebody else who needs an affordable place to live will have one. Every non profit that I have come in contact with, has said affordable housing is one solution to homelessness in Richmond. There are not enough affordable places to live in Richmond, but come June there will be ONE MORE!
Another piece of the puzzle, was put in place today when a van was donated to someone in need. Transportation is the biggest hurdle to employment. There are people available to work and work to be had, but a lot of folks don't have transportation to get to work. Just yesterday I was made aware of two job openings, but you needed to have transportation!
The next piece to fit in place was a young man needing a place to sleep. He was living in his car. A call was placed to Cassie of Hands Up Ministry to see if she could help. She met with the young man and spent some time getting to know him. She gave him a chance and the next couple of weeks he will be living in the 4th ave house. This is the house that many from Atlee, as well as many from all over have spent some time fixing up. It is almost finished, but right now it serves as a safe place for someone who was sleeping in their car.
The challenge of it all is to learn what God can do through us, if we are obedient to his call!
A jigsaw puzzle gets put together one piece at a time. It doesn't happen right away.
I am beginning to see the pieces fall into place and the picture of the puzzle is starting to take shape!
Friday, April 27, 2012
Dr. Visit
This morning I had a meeting with Dr John Moeser.
Dr. John Moeser, Senior Fellow at the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement at the Univeristy of Richmond and Professor Emeritus, Urban Studies and Planning, at Virginia Commonwealth University.
I had requested the meeting based on seeing a video of a talk he gave at the non profit organization ACTS. When I heard the talk I knew that I needed to meet with him. He said a lot of things that I have been dreaming of.
http://www.actsva.org/p/acts-in-action_23.html
I was excited to hear his perspective on the status of the poor and homeless in Richmond. He has a wealth of knowledge.
It turns out we knew a lot of the same people that I have come into contact with over the last few months. I was especially encouraged that he seemed to confirm the direction that I have been on.
He also suggested that I pull together more people to get involved, so that I don't burn myself out.
Great advice!
Let's pull together and see what God can do through us!
Dr. John Moeser, Senior Fellow at the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement at the Univeristy of Richmond and Professor Emeritus, Urban Studies and Planning, at Virginia Commonwealth University.
I had requested the meeting based on seeing a video of a talk he gave at the non profit organization ACTS. When I heard the talk I knew that I needed to meet with him. He said a lot of things that I have been dreaming of.
http://www.actsva.org/p/acts-in-action_23.html
I was excited to hear his perspective on the status of the poor and homeless in Richmond. He has a wealth of knowledge.
It turns out we knew a lot of the same people that I have come into contact with over the last few months. I was especially encouraged that he seemed to confirm the direction that I have been on.
He also suggested that I pull together more people to get involved, so that I don't burn myself out.
Great advice!
Let's pull together and see what God can do through us!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
The Dream from across the pond!
Today was highlighted by a meeting in Shockoe Bottom at Legacy Fellowship International.
I was invited to hear Dave Connolly from Liverpool England. He is one of the senior pastors at Frontline Church!
http://www.frontline.org.uk/detail/Pastor_Dave_Connolly/484/282.aspx
He has a huge heart to see THE CHURCH come together to reach the lost! I was very encouraged by what he had to say. Here is The Dream of "Together for the Harvest"
For almost two thousand years Christians have prayed, ”Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”. The TFH Dream is to see God’s Kingdom break in as we pray and work together.
Imagine a world where crime has been reduced and families strengthened.
Where integrity, honesty and faithfulness are commonplace.
Where churches are filled and new churches are being planted.
Where the poor and the vulnerable are helped and safety and decency are enjoyed by all.
This is the impact of the gospel that has been seen elsewhere and in other times.
May we come together for "The Dream" for Richmond, Va!
I was invited to hear Dave Connolly from Liverpool England. He is one of the senior pastors at Frontline Church!
http://www.frontline.org.uk/detail/Pastor_Dave_Connolly/484/282.aspx
He has a huge heart to see THE CHURCH come together to reach the lost! I was very encouraged by what he had to say. Here is The Dream of "Together for the Harvest"
For almost two thousand years Christians have prayed, ”Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”. The TFH Dream is to see God’s Kingdom break in as we pray and work together.
Imagine a world where crime has been reduced and families strengthened.
Where integrity, honesty and faithfulness are commonplace.
Where churches are filled and new churches are being planted.
Where the poor and the vulnerable are helped and safety and decency are enjoyed by all.
This is the impact of the gospel that has been seen elsewhere and in other times.
May we come together for "The Dream" for Richmond, Va!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Boaz & Ruth
I met Martha with Boaz & Ruth on Monday!
I was invited to have lunch down at the Firehouse Cafe on Meadowbridge Rd, which is right up the street from six corners.
Before we met I asked Martha to read up on my blog to see what had taken place over the last few months. This is always an easy way for new friends to get up to speed on what is happening.
We sat down for lunch. She asked for me to share some of my story with her. I spoke about how the journey began back in the summer. She then shared the history behind Boaz & Ruth.
I was impressed with all that they had accomplished in 10 years!
I have stated from the beginning that I wanted to support affordable housing, employment and prevention as it relates to homelessness.
Boaz & Ruth have been involved in all of these!
We spent about two hours together. She introduced me to a number of folks. It was fun meeting some more new friends from the neighborhood! I enjoyed getting to meet Corry, our server.
I enjoyed my lunch at the cafe so much, I took Charles back there this morning for breakfast! Corry was there again and he even remembered my name!
Martha proceeded to show me all the properties they own around that neighborhood. They have created quit the little social enterprise in that neighborhood.
I also got to see one of the stores they have. As I began to share the vision I have for a thrift store, She was very interested in partnering with me.
Every day I can see God's hand at work bringing people together with different talents and background. It was exciting to see how much we share in common.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Martha and the ministry she has in Highland Park. She must have liked what I had to say, she asked if I wanted to serve on her board. I respectively declined because at this point, I don't feel called to get tied down to any one organization.
There are a lot of great organizations out there that are doing tremendous work! I look forward to bringing together those that are willing to work together for the common good!
What will tomorrow look like?
I was invited to have lunch down at the Firehouse Cafe on Meadowbridge Rd, which is right up the street from six corners.
Before we met I asked Martha to read up on my blog to see what had taken place over the last few months. This is always an easy way for new friends to get up to speed on what is happening.
We sat down for lunch. She asked for me to share some of my story with her. I spoke about how the journey began back in the summer. She then shared the history behind Boaz & Ruth.
I was impressed with all that they had accomplished in 10 years!
I have stated from the beginning that I wanted to support affordable housing, employment and prevention as it relates to homelessness.
Boaz & Ruth have been involved in all of these!
We spent about two hours together. She introduced me to a number of folks. It was fun meeting some more new friends from the neighborhood! I enjoyed getting to meet Corry, our server.
I enjoyed my lunch at the cafe so much, I took Charles back there this morning for breakfast! Corry was there again and he even remembered my name!
Martha proceeded to show me all the properties they own around that neighborhood. They have created quit the little social enterprise in that neighborhood.
I also got to see one of the stores they have. As I began to share the vision I have for a thrift store, She was very interested in partnering with me.
Every day I can see God's hand at work bringing people together with different talents and background. It was exciting to see how much we share in common.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Martha and the ministry she has in Highland Park. She must have liked what I had to say, she asked if I wanted to serve on her board. I respectively declined because at this point, I don't feel called to get tied down to any one organization.
There are a lot of great organizations out there that are doing tremendous work! I look forward to bringing together those that are willing to work together for the common good!
What will tomorrow look like?
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