Thursday, March 22
Scripture: Mark 11:1-11
As many of you may know and for those who do not know I am a convicted felon as of 2004. I was ashamed and humiliated at the arrest but eventually was glad it happened.
I recall the anguish and heartache at the thought of my parents and how disappointed they would be; I also felt stupid that things got so out of control that this arrest could have happened. After months of psychotherapy I came to know that God had a plan for me. I just had to follow the path and let God lead me. He did and I followed!
In addition to therapy I had to do 200 hours of community service. I worked those hours at Central Union Mission which was a men’s homeless shelter. I did what was requested: cleaning restrooms; unloading supplies; assisting, preparing, and serving dinner in the shelter’s cafeteria. Over time my work in the kitchen became pleasant and I did not view it as a punishment. Cooking and helping serve the men became meaningful to me and I looked forward to doing it.
That building at 14th and R Streets NW is now an upscale condo building called: The Mission. The shelter moved elsewhere because the work of feeding the homeless goes on. That path God led me to and which I went down led me to: Martha’s Table.
For as the Prophet Isaiah said: “If you offer your food to the hungry and attend to the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday.” Isaiah 58:10
Jesus may have been reluctant riding into Jerusalem for the final week of his life, but God led him and he followed.
Prayer: Oh God, we are reluctant to travel an unknown path. However with your guidance and unwavering love we will become travelers along that path you would have us go.
– Gary Lewis