WE SHOULD ALL RECOGNIZE THE HOMELESS!

    Cathi send me this video.....

    

      And I used to think we should all help the homeless, but as I've spent the last ten years or so hanging out with homeless people, I think this video has it right.  It's not so much about helping them - it's about recognizing them.  Just like any other person on the street, child in the classroom, person in a cubicle, member of your family - We all need someone to recognize us, show us we are valuable and let us know we matter!

       That's one thing I think we've done a good job with at First Church of Lombard.  Yes, our food may not always be that organized.  Sometimes the leader (who's been there ten years) still doesn't know how the tables are set up.  Maybe we haven't seen hundreds of people move out of the program.  But, we let people know they matter!

        So, really this video stuck out to me, more than a recruitment tool to get volunteers for the shelter (but I am more than willing to take you if it did that!).  It seemed to be a reminder that every person we cross on the street, every person we drive by, meet in the grocery store, work alongside - THEY ALL MATTER!

        Are we going to stop and strike up a conversation with everyone - NO! But, should we be prepared to and at least recognize they are there - YES!

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: Most powerful movie ever!

     What do High School Musical, The New Parish, The story of Joseph, Compassion International, and Carmello Anthony all have in common?  
      Well, I'm reading this book (guess from above which one is the book) and it's all about taking God's story, Your story, and the place where you live - factoring those into one vision for your life.  Basically, their saying where you live is just as important as the Bible or your history in regard to your purpose.
       Just read the story of Joseph today and it talked about how God blessed everything he did because God was with him.  Sold as a slave into Potiphar's house - God blesses him.  Thrown in jail - God blesses him.  Wherever he was, whatever he did - God blessed it!  
       Then I wrote my Compassion kid about how different the places we live must be, and how it would it be weird for both of us if we switched places.  But, then I wrote about how God put us where he did for a reason.
       And last night, I watched High School Musical - mostly because my daughter and niece wanted us all to watch (but I have to admit, even when they fell asleep I finished that bad boy!).  I am going to say it: High School Musical has the most powerful message of any movie I've ever seen!  The last scene comes on and everyone is singing, "We're all in this together." Basketball players are dancing with braniacs.  Drama folks are dancing with skaters.  Troy gives Kelsey the game ball, Ryan and Shapree congratulate the basketball team, Zeke gives Sharpay cookies, Mrs. Darbus and Coach Bolton enjoy each other's success, AND EVERYONE WORKS TOGETHER TO MAKE EVERYONE ELSE'S LIFE BETTER.  They each use their gifts and talents to help each other - no matter who they are!
      So, how does Carmello fit into all this.  Here's what I would tell him.  Your place matters.  Choose wisely!  Maybe even more importantly, let God help you and trust that wherever you land God has you there for a reason.  Then, when you get there work together for greatness - for everyone!  Not just the team, the fans or your family, but you have the power to dramatically influence all those around you.  AND SO DO WE ALL!