donnie

donnie, originally uploaded by israelboyce.

a few days back i was reminded of why we are here...

i find it so easy to get caught up thinking about random things that don't matter..... such as.... looking at a cars tires as i walk by and thinking, they must get around good in the snow... or wondering what those kids are thinking of my high shorts and bald spots on my calfs due to tighter pants.... understand?....

but as i was walking the other day, i felt a heavy pull on my heart to go and talk to this man that was sitting at the 7-11. of course i was full of arguments.... aren't we all...
oh, ugh, i'm on the other side of the street...
or... what if he's crazy....

what if he was crazy...? well then i would have an interesting story of me getting away, and i'm sure he wouldn't be sitting out there very long before someone figured something was up...

after continuing on my way, i took an immediate right, crossed the street, and walked up next to him and sat down. we shared some small talk... all the while i was thinking... "what am i suppose to do?" so, i asked him about... himself.
he told me why he was where he is, and where he's staying now. i remember thinking that i wish there was something i could really do for this guy... something that will make his day...

before leaving, and after this picture, i asked him what i could keep in prayer for him...

and he replied,

a home.

donnie is a real guy, with real needs.

i wish i could have given him a home on the spot!
and just said, well mr. peterson, today is your blessed day,
come on, say it with me..... move that bus... or just look what we have behind curtain number 7 or 11.... heck, both!
i wish i could have said something to make his pain go away...

i told him that i will be praying for him, and you can be too... because pray works. God knows our needs. and though we can't always see the fruit that comes for the seed... we can pray with eager expectation, knowing that we aren't just saying words up to the sky, or at a wall or the floor... 

King David prays in psalm 17, "I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray."

Father, may we believe when we pray to You, that You hear our cries, and You rescue those who cry out. our streets are full of donnies, real people with real, practical needs. give homes to the homeless, food to the hungry, and freedom to the addicted. rescue them, as You have said You will do. bring healing on the streets, hope in the alleys, love in the church. may those who call themselves Your followers, stop living to satisfy themselves. and may all who really love You, show Your love to the people whom others selfishly walk by.
thank You for Jesus. may we not forget what He did for us. help us to pursue the life You have called us to. i'm sorry for not doing things i should and for doing the things i shouldn't.
thank You for not condemning us.
in Your Son's name, amen!

we need change.
God bless Donnie.