On October 23rd, one of our guests approached the podium to read a poem he had written. It pierced the depths of my heart as I am sure it will you. I tried to NOT make any corrections intentionally.
Please take a moment to read the words from one of our "once homeless" guests.
"Here I sit by the river head spinning from alcohol and drugs. No one cares about a lonely old man it seems.
All my friends have turned away from me.
Trying to drown by pity away, just seems worse as I contemplate, 'Is there no use for a broken old cougar?'
As I pour more of the beverage down my gut the tears come, my lost lonely heart.
Once I had respect from people I barely met, and now no one hears my plea, "Come sit beside me;" just echos in the wind.
I am now down the last of my beers, wishing for death to come here, but instead I see a light as it comes closer it gets so bright.
'Do not fear,' I heard as it drifted near. I have come with a message for you, 'God loves you,' He never left, he has a chore for you.
Clean your heart from all these thoughts. Brush yourself off for a new start for your wisdom that you have gained needs to be shared with all who have not yet seen. Travel the lands and tell of His love, and how there is a place for all above."
James Strickland (wrote poem above)
Each week, I leave NLO more blessed than when I arrived. I will post soon, the notes from today's (10/30/2011) service.
Be the hands and feet of Jesus, this day. Seize the moment.
NLO
