The simplicity & wonder of community...

Community turns up in some of the most unexpected and surprising of ways.
There is a constant tension for me between simplicity and wonder daily. Both are important to recognize. Simplicity in that it arrives in the most regular, basic of forms, not as complicated as we think. Followed by a  wonder that in those basic of forms there is something divinely significant and a piece of heaven on earth is experienced somehow someway.


I see him off in the distance and I can't help but smile. What a sight to behold. Sprawled out on a lawn chair, dishcloth soaked upon forehead, novel in hand, tea in mug having the time of his life. We walk below the overpass to reach his cozy home, and partake in his inviting relaxation. Soon we find ourselves welcomed to sit down and enjoy the peace. As cars zoom above our heads, he beckons us  into a theological talk of Jesus, God, christians and the church. He is incredibly smart, having read countless books of all different genres, we enjoy the friendly yet serious banter as we speak about our differing beliefs.We appreciate him, he appreciates us, and our friendships continue to grow and deepen.
Community found in the hidden thinker.

The girl with turmoil, pain and grief wracking her being who walks through the door and opens her arms with a big hug, craving the familiar relationships she has accepted. The depth of her sensitive heart, the processing of her feelings and difficult circumstances over tea, the settled peace of trusting the people around her. Countless times of sharing smiles and laughter, and the times of sharing through tears and voicing  sadness.
Community found in the burdened sweetheart.

The toothless older woman, with wrinkly laugh lines,wispy white hair and sparkly eyes, who never fails to lavish love in reaching out to hold me from her wheelchair, and call me by name.
Community found in the endearing delighter.

The precious deaf gentleman who pans handing out sign language cards teaching people to communicate with him. His large grin, twinkly eyes,  ready to chat and extend thoughtful affection and genuine thankfulness.
Community found in the easily missed treasure.

His extravagant affirmation, as he speaks encouragement, worth and passion over me. He is a person who no one can get past without a bear hug and words steeped in love.
Community found in the Jesus lover.

His image comes in all forms of the simple, regular, and the seemingly mundane.
His image comes with divine wonder, and exciting mystery.

May we be aware of the community and people he is blessing us with all around our lives, and revealing his very real image.

Peculiar gifts...

It's those moments of sitting in a sort of stunned silence. 

Moments of being  deeply humbled. Unable to do much but receive and accept the profound, peculiar gift that has been just been gently set in my hands. 

Moments that I am unable to comprehend in it's bigness, but only catch a glimpse of the sheer purity I have just beheld.

On a night of feeling inwardly defeated, physically tired, impatient and undeserving, while striving to be outwardly loving,  I am given too.

She calls my name in the midst of my going through the motions.
 Lipstick bright, liner thickly placed on  tired lids, slightly smudged.
 She looks up at me, I await her response of what she needs.  "Would you please hug me?" She asks with sweet, timid innocence. I smile responding to her outstretched arms.
She whispers in my ear " I'm not dirty, I promise I showered today." Tears gather wetting her eyes as she confides in close speech her sever pain and fear. Wanting me to know and sit with her in it in it.  Trust, unfiltered emotion, relationship, an open heart.

I stood with a feeling I can't put to writing, as a long time relationship expressed appreciation, care and trust for me  as he ran back to give a hug and say thank you. Such intentional eye contact catching me off guard.  Raw depth of sincerity and the genuine cloaking his words and demeanor.
Calm certainty, overwhelming love, that endearing smile.

I leave tonight armful of unexpected gifts, feeling rich, generously given to with a lavish love.

The walking wounded.

Focused eyes, clearly fixated yet aimlessly wandering

layers of grime so familiar, permanently altering skin tone

blackened teeth upturned mouth, smiling easily

tiny frame, skin and bones, torn clothing, hanging loosely

limbs outstretched ready to hold, arm slung around shoulders

words profound honest, rich with meaning tumble out of mouth

this is the walking wounded.

Sit on the grass beside, stories will be told

your heart may hurt as you hear

the ugliness of daily horrors

the details will be sacred

the reality may cause you to feel powerless and weakened

but hear the words it's crucial

treasure the walking wounded.

The bravery of survival

the agony of mistreatment

the isolation  from crushed trust

the premature decay of a young person 

the hiding, self medicating.

the anxious personal protection

the absence of self worth

esteem the walking wounded.

 Acceptance of love and friendship clearly present

 kind, sincere courtesy for others, alive

genuine wisdom offered, articulated generously

 loving heart from the brokenness within so evident

learn from the walking wounded. 

Hidden Gentleman

I sat in the square downtown enjoying some sunshine and a good book among a large crowd when he appeared out of nowhere. 

" I want to meet you". He stated, backpack slung over his shoulder, sleeping bag in hand, smoke hanging from his mouth like an accessory. So we did, with arms extended out to each other for a shake, we briefly spoke. After a simple nod he walked away. I returned to my book, heart warmed in the random kindness of it all. To my surprise he backtracked asked to sit, and proceeded to tell me there were things on his mind he needed to talk about. He spoke of unimaginable grief, a tragedy, a memory of a loved one in his life and a shocking ending. He was weighted by a deep sense of guilt and shame for his inability to protect and the sense of failure as a man. As he spoke  pain came through strongly  his shoulders slumped and he clasped his rough, swollen hands together. We spoke of Jesus, and I asked if he would be comfortable if we prayed for the heavy burden he carries. " Hold on, I can't smoke and pray, this is a holy moment." He mumbled stomping out his cigarette. 

It truly was a holy moment. With head bowed low over folded hands, eyes squeezed tightly shut, he nodded and agreed with my prayer. As the words of his true identity as a man created by God, and the hope and freedom found in Christ was spoken, It was incredible to watch the acceptance of truth wash over his face. The troubled features of a passive, burdened man was gone, the man I was looking at in this moment was 

peaceful and dignified.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

" Hello sister". He calls out sheepishly from the little crate he perches on outside the flower shop panning. This man has been in my life for a long time, and I am excited and surprised to run into him unexpectedly. His speech is a string of curses through a captivating smile and deep set eyes. His special heart is something easily missed if you are a passerby, and make assumptions solely on his appearance, and  random outbursts. This man has a passion for justice and mercy. He is a defender of the defenseless on the street. He is quick to become violent towards those hurting the weak. He is a man who will invite you to sit,  take off his coat, lay it on the ground to fashion a cozy clean spot for you. Yet these things are overlooked as this man thinks he is nothing, his experiences of ridicule, mistreatment,and countless shames cloud his vision.

I am often burdened for the gentleman I meet on the street. Such pain, failure and lies covering up their true identity as sons, created and loved by God their heavenly father, made in his image. These men need to know their worth, need to know there is peace for guilt, forgiveness for mistakes, restoration and healing in identity, redemption in what seems hopeless, and a relationship with Christ Jesus. Please pray for the countless gentleman who find themselves on the street.