Lost For Words

In college I developed a strong friendship with one of my pastors, Wayne. He became my primary mentor and partner in ministry. One day I came to him with some concerns about dating. I didn't want to date, I didn't see anyone worth dating, I sometimes had crushes (which I hated), and I didn't like the guys that like me. How was I supposed to know when to give someone a chance? We were eating some awesome lasagna because it was Home Fellowship night. We kind of ditched the fellowship to have this discussion. Wayne assured me that it was okay to have crushes and it was okay not to accept every suitor. He explained it in a way I never would have believed coming from most other people. "You're God's daughter. Since God's the King that makes you a Princess. So you are a treasure. Any man that doesn't see that is not worth dating!" With a mouth full of lasagna I said "thank you." I was stunned. I had never made those connections befo

One day I was spending time on the streets of Chicago with a few friends. We met a lot of people that day but one in particular stood out to me. His name is Tony. We found Tony sitting on a metal post at the end of one of the bridges that cross the Chicago River. He was dressed poorly for the chilly weather and looked exhausted yet content. We approached and asked if we could sit with him and talk for a while. He welcomed us into his space. We shared a little about ourselves and asked Tony about his own story. He shared a most surprising tale considering his circumstances.  "I've been homeless for a few years now. I had trouble paying my bills and ended up evicted and without anyone willing to hire me. So I try to find work here and there but it's hard to get consistent work when I can't even clean myself up! I mostly sleep outside but sometimes make enough to get a room for the night. It's great to be able to shower and have a warm meal every now and then."