It was January 21st when it all began. I can tell you the exact day, because my life and heart were changed and I had no idea what was to come.
January 21st was the day we set out to connect with our inner city community in a whole new way. Many neighborhoods were considered, but only one had been chosen for us to go out and bless. As volunteers gathered that day we heard the instructions of what part of the block each team would go to, how we would let them know we were there, where they could find our truck full of clothes and groceries, and we were reminded of things to consider for safety. We were all experiencing our own emotions that moment!
Many were thrilled to see this day finally arrive where we would go out and meet the community.
Others were nervous becsaue they were taking a first step.
And yet, others had been around that neighborhood awhile and wondered why we were going to this particular street — a street marked with crime, drive-by shootings, and crack houses.
I remember so vividly our car pulling on to the street that day. Reflecting back, it’s like seeing everything in slow motion.
The block where my team started has wrecked my heart in a whole new way. I took in all the sights, smells, and sounds. I looked around wanting to capture it all. But the sight that would not leave my mind was all the children’s toys laying around. I knew there were children there obviously, but where.
It was then that one child emerged. I fell in love with this boy and by the end of the day he was running to hug me. His mom is just precious and when we brought out the candy it was like Christmas. Kids came – kids with shoes, without shoes; kids with clothes, kids without; kids needing diapers, and formula, and food. While our team met and loved on children, other teams walked the block and picked up trash while meeting the neighbors. And even another team met a man who could not hear nor speak, but they found a way to communicate through an old spiral tablet.
Since January 21st, we have been back to that neighborhood to connect with the same block. We’ve cleaned up truck loads of trash (needles and all), clothed many in need, fed the hungry, and loved on more children. Our team found out that one of the boys on our part of the street was having his 2 year old birthday, so we arranged a head of time to go back and take some gifts and a cake to the family. Once again the excitement and joy in the children’s eyes and hearts were better than a Christmas morning surprise. (I think the adults there are still trying to figure us out.)
I had waited in anticipation of going back out this month to check on the families and to hug the children. But everything changed — in the blink of an eye one early morning.
With a drive-by shooting on that block the day before we were supposed to go, we had to postpone our trip. While I get the safety issues, all my heart wants to do is go get the children – hug them, love them, feed them. Or maybe we should go to the hospital where the one injured lays. Or maybe our hearts are drawn to be with the family who might need a friend in their time of grief. Our hearts long to go because that is “our” adopted block.
So while I have stopped the last two months and poured into a block, along with many other incredible people, this weekend I was stopped! This stopping makes me cry and pound my fist! It’s a stopping that has strengthened even further a passion that I had. It’s a stopping that will not stop me, nor the others. It’s a stopping that I know will be blessed beyond measure when the time is right to return to our block.
What makes you cry your eyes out?
Who in your community could use some help?
For years, my town in Michigan, crippled by the downsizing of the car industry, has been one of the most violent in America. I know of neighborhoods that you speak of. Of kids. Of toys in the dirt and bare feet and of shooting, sometimes of the kids that makes the church stop and we cry because this should not be. Thanks for sharing.
Definitely an injustice that just should not be. Every child should have a happy, healthy place to grow up in. I count my blessings daily to the things I’ve taken for granted my whole life.
Your love for those children is so obvious. I love your images, too. The effect really draws me in. I need to chip away some of the stone around my heart. I really do.
Thanks for your encouraging words. I’ve always loved living behind my camera since the age of 8! If I could tell a story with pics I would. Dig in to the Master Creator and Potterer girl — He’ll soon have that stone heart pliable and molded into something new. Blessings~
So touched by your words, your passion, your heart. It is truly beautiful, friend. An inspiration for sure!
And thanks for asking about my daughter. She is doing well, she has been able to sleep much better the last couple nights.
So thankful you are hanging in there and your daughter is resting better. Keep us posted!
oh friend…
this was exquisite.
I can’t wait to read more, and learn more, and love more…
*hugs*
Girl – I’m just sharing my journey. I’m still in need of more learning, and loving!! That’s Texas speak. haha
Oh, girl. so proud of you for loving them in their environment, meeting them where they are at. I always feel guilty when I tell people that I play piano in a nursing home regularly or grocery shop weekly for my elderly neighbor or any of the random things I do around my community because…I often think it blesses me more than it does them. I would be shaking my fist if they told me all of a sudden I couldn’t go to the nursing home and hear those passionate soles belt out old hymns and show tunes! My little boy would cry at not being able to visit every room and give his hugs.
Isn’t that the way God works? He blesses those that bless others. And I rather enjoy getting into an argument with my neighbor over who is blessed more by our relationship ;)
beautiful post, friend.
silly auto correct. I guess those souls do belt out from the bottom of their soles ;)
I am cracking up!!! I always get caught in jams with that auto-correct business – especially in texts.
Friend – I would love for your to guest post about your serving and adventures at the nursing home!!! It is SO TRUE though, we are more blessed by giving of our time, and resources than anyone could even imagine. I guess that’s why God continually tells us, “it is more blessed to give than receive!”
Can’t wait to read some of your precious stories — it’s all about each of us stepping out to where God calls us to serve His people.
Sending hugs!
I love this and honestly, from the preview I just got of your heart. I feel like it has big and plenty of room for new readers to cuddle up next to ;-). I am glad you pounded your fists that day. Some things, like the opportunities that some of us have while some children live in squalor in our own country make me want to pound my fists too. I think you can help, but when something like a drive by shooting happens in a place to taint such innocence, innocence that is already being stolen in so many ways – well I feel a bit clint eastwood about it.
hugs.
kiran
Kiran – your words this morning as sweetness to my ears. Thank you – and I love that you feel some Clint Eastwood!!! We’ll be heading back out to that street soon. The man passed away. His wife doesn’t have funds for a funeral. It just gets sadder and sadder! Thankfully they did not have children.
blessings friend
What a loving group you all must be to care so deeply – and then turn that caring into action (which is where too many people stop). Big thoughts and prayers to you for doing such a beautiful thing and committing to keep doing it even when adversity makes you pause.