Gospel Watching - Valet Del Roy

Behind His Eyes...pt 2

The logic of people who have hard times astounds me. In most cases I find them much wiser than those who have not faced as much (probably from the lack of having to constantly assess the decisions they've made and situations they've been in and through).

This man went back to talking about the job he worked in catering, at a time when, things were good. "You know what I don't understand?" he said "I don't get how people can have so much money and the things they do with it. Check this homie. I did this party for an 11yr old girl. Her parents bought out the whole place. Had to drop at least a hunid thou on it. They were showing pictures of all the places she had been. Israel, Australia, Africa...She had pictures with pyramids. Hawaii, Europe. All these places she done been. SHE ONLY 11. I ain't neva been out the country. Bro! I was in a tuxedo, standing at a kiddy bar, servin shirley temples, juice and soda." He leaned back and gave me that 'can you believe that sh-' ...face. and then he continues...

 "And he was Jewish. Man they have it good. Have you ever known a poor Jewish person? I mean right now today, do you know any?" And then he waited for my response. Now I don't know any poor Jewish people, not poor like I've seen or would consider poor anyway. My Bible and history knowledge would kick in at this moment filtering through all that God's people have encountered since the calling of Abraham and the beginning of Israel, ancient Israel that is. And so I just shrugged and shook, "no". Which he commenced to continue, now that my answer satisfied his train of thought.

 "... That right. Because their God's people. God said he was always gone take care of them...Man! What I wouldn't give to be one of His people. They not gonna live like this. That's crazy. And after all they done been through, can you believe it. God chose a stiff necked people to be his. To take care of and never turn his back on." WHOA! Is all I could think. Did he just really say that. What a theology of love and grace! And I'm pretty sure he didn't intend to make such a profound and plain statement, truth. But still he continued, not knowing that in the moment all my attention peeked.

 "A stiff necked people is what the Bible says. Man, they gotta good. And for some reason they got the money too. Man I wish God would bless me like that. I could do so much good with that. But that's the difference, they take care of theirs but we don't take care of ours. But that's how it should be done. If only God would bless me like that. I'd go buy a bunch of these vacant and condemned lots in our neighborhoods and start rebuildin', do somethin good for the community and give people some jobs. I'd call my peoples that are struggling and tell em, 'here's some work homie, Ima start you off at $11.50 here, so you can feed your family homie. And I'd go around and make sure to take care of my people you know..."

 At that moment my train had pulled up. I didn't want to go but I needed to get to work and was trying to figure how to end this conversation and move along without seeming disrespectful or awkward. So I nearly cut him off "I feel you brotha, I do. This is my train man." "Ah, oh, ok" he said. And as I stepped away I nodded in approval and with encouragement and patted over my heart twice.

 He returned the gesture and kept walking on. The train pulled off just as I was sitting and I half fell into my seat. I watched him approach another person as the train pulled off and all I could think to myself was "a stiff necked people."

 That whole time I hadn't mentioned one word about Jesus, even though it would seem that it was the perfect setting and opportunity for witnessing. But I don't feel bad about that, naw. God's word or plan in this man's life cannot be hindered by anyone or anything. What did happen though, is that I was able to see and hear this man very clearly. Some real life struggle, desire, and the logic behind his rationalizing. But whatever is truth or lie about his situation is really trivial in this case. The most important thing for me was that I saw a deep longing to belong to and be blessed of God. No matter how much he knew of the Bible (I do not know), but whatever it is in life he desires, deep down I know that it's a longing for a God who can give him peace. and that's what I seen, Behind His Eyes... something we all long for.

(since I've seen him three time. same story at all different times of the day or night. And whether I believe it at this point or not does not matter. I gave every time I had, simply because I hope one day he realizes that in the midst of his present situation. God has been blessing him.)

Behind His Eyes pt.1

I was on my way downtown from the house; my train stop: Kedzie-Holman. I see a man who I would call a regular. That means, regular people I see who peddle, sell loose cigarettes or choose to politely ask each and any person who might notice them, for money. I don't often bet on those who do to remember me as much as I remember them. So if he did, he acted like he didn't, which is a reasonable act, I think, at least if I had to fathom being in the same position. It's hard to be fortunate, don't you think. We who not only have Christ, but life, and are privileged with loose cash (though most of us would claim that we have none) seem to often be in a dilemma. One that is hard. Some days we empathize, some days we sympathize, some days we just simply despise these people who we may think(though not all) have chosen to get themselves in such a situation, that is, if the situation had not gotten them. But that's not the focus here.

There are sometimes things I admire about the homeless or those who don't have enough and are forced into the humble position of asking (even peddling or begging). Some have intricately crafted stories of their situation and the base root of why they need that change or dollar. Some of these folks have to lie because they don't remember or have been on drugs to long to care how they get it, but just know they need to. Some have real issues, like mental illnesses or other medical problems. Some are just in a hurry to not have to go back to where they slept the night before, because many who are on the street are often beat up, raped, pushed around, stolen from, deceived and more. Anyone who is not intrigued about these lives, i hope you will come to meet and learn more of people who fall into this category.

So this man approaches me, I recognize him. He walks up and says "hey brotha, I don't mean to waste your time, I'm going through a rough time and I know it's not your problem it's mine but..." And at that moment I cut him off, extending my hand with the three one dollar bills I had in my pocket and said, "here bruh, it's alright, I recognize you, I remember your story." "Thank you bruh." he said while I shook with approval. "Naw thank you. Man last year was ok for us until my girl got locked up. now i gotta take care of my two lil girls and i aint got enough. i work for this catering company, and last year..." he was swiping his hands as if he was filtering through dolla bills, "...during the summer, good, the money was flowing. Birthdays, weddings, bar-mitzvah and such. But in the winter, ain't enough goin on, and now I'm out here, gotta ask people for money."

But this wasn't all he said. What he said next actually shocked me.

I Wish God Would Make More Men Like Me

I wish God would make more men like me
So every woman I meet could be loved
But, the new me
Not the old me
The kind me, not the blind me
To arrogant to see you as more than another  throphy
The letters you wrote me as more than mere openings
But the brokenness

To notice that you had wounds that needed treatment
Did I mention that I know a physician
I'll lift you
I see you; Here
Ride on my donkey, my mentor was a good Samaritan parable
he paid for you sweetheart, I
I just work for Him

Oh Lord! How I wish God would make more men like me!
So that every woman I meet could be loved
The new me, not the old me of course
The converted me
Not the perverted me
The patient me
Not the me, impatiently waiting to tame thee
To BREAK thee
Feeding sweet treats at your accomplishments to let me ride you
Right into the sunset, and then
All night upon even the sunrise
The me that, BROKE you, rode you, and after told you how great you are
Tying you to a post and moving on, but never too far
Not far enough that I can't come back to see you still tied there, broken.
Waiting for me to ride you again; needing me to; wanting me to; because you've been......broken
Thinking that now if you're not worth riding, then what are you good for then

Oh, how i wish God would make more men like me
The me that speaks
Not the me that winked
My flattering speech patterns
My smiles a nd sly eyes
Yes! I was always faded
But, I trained my responses so you couldn't detect
That I, actually, came, to rob you
Ha! I could've been a con artist
But I was never to good at faking it
I was better at making it so that I wouldn't have to take it but rather let you give it to me
The old me that is

I wish God would make more men like me
I know you don't know this me
But I often whisper "I Love You"
As you pass
Hoping you unknowingly heard me

Thinking that maybe
Just maybe, one day, when you feel alone
You'll somehow remember subconciously

I wish god would make more men like me
To forever remind you of worth
That my confidence outweigh your worry
My hug bring comfort
My smile contagiously is caught

To notice those little things that show you how special you are

I wish God would make more men like me
To see you
Know you
Love you
Help you
Encourage and lead you well
To be the kind of man that you need and have never known
At least for those of you who need to see one

the only problem is: I'm not that man, nor can I be
And God doesn't need more men like me
That's the whole point
He wants more men like Himself
Conformed into the image of His Son Jesus Christ

So I pray, God, Make more of us men like you
Because you love and always have loved every woman that has been
And you show us men, how we should be
Sacrificing ourselves
To Love you, so that you, through we, could love she

God Did It!

Isaiah 55...Is a great read. Last night, God restored my joy. Gave me peace. It was instantly and I didn't even notice it. "Burdens down Lord, Burdens down Lord, Since I laaid, my burdens down"

God did it. Can do it. Will do it. Hold on!

A thought tonight

Often times when people write we look for profound words that strectch down the vertical page(s); and I dont know how I feel about doing that, or even trying to do that right now.

There comes a time in a young mans life when he looks around and notices that no one is there in his moment of unsecured life. When he stands and makes a decision for himself. Not selfishly as if others arent on his mind. But one what cannot be altered because of worry in how that affects them. I dont know how to make that clear. I was thinking these thoughts today. I have not made such decisions yet,but truly I am sixty three days away from it. I dread the moment at this point in time. It changes everything, every plan. Yet, my life is the Lord's. I will not be shaken. So I apologize in advance for the pain that will come. On my end and yours if you may feel such emotions. I love you. And I may have said I never would, but I'm thinking that I just might! Let's keep praying on it.

Two Verses

18 For the Lord is God, and he created the heavens and earth and put everything in place. He made the world to be lived in, not to be a place of empty chaos. “I am the Lord,” he says, “and there is no other.19 I publicly proclaim bold promises. I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner. I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found. I, the Lord, speak only what is true and declare only what is right.
Isaiah 45:18-19 (NLT)


I read this a few times and I still don't feel as if I've had a reaction to it. All I feel is an empty pit in my stomach. I do see such encouragement in this. How did you react when you read this? I don't think my emotions know what to do with this. Gonna meditate on this until it clicks! Pray for it.

last weeks lightbulb

I have a great calling!
And to whom much is given, much is certainly required. You see, I have fared that ministry is a lifestyle that goes beyond commonality. My lot has been cast by God. It has fallen on perfect sides. I get what I am suppose to everyday, because He is just in all His ways. It is very fortunate to be in the will of God. the perfect will of the Almighty. I go through cycles daily. I am limited but am connected to resourceful Master. So why do I fret? many troubles and  challenges come my way; "to the one who overcomes." it says. That's the song they sang. "happy is the man," he wrote by wisdom. Then with his next breath he cried out in agony. all go through cycles, daily. We're not "all" so different. I'm just acknowledging that I need help, encouragement, guidance, wisdom, strength, discipline and much  much more. Sometimes I think ans say, "When will my blessing come?" Well, I woke up, I know and I am known by Him. Then I was reminded by a mom, the very words of scripture tattooed on my chest, Proverbs 30:7-9(look it up)...
My lot has been cast by God. It has fallen on perfect sides.
Pray for me.

Reborn Youth Ministry [2012] (Extended Version)

God is in West Garfield!!!

You may be thinking to yourself in this moment that "OK, since that last post here is some good news!" 
Well, you thought correctly, I have great news. That God is in West Garfield, because we are in West Garfield. Reborn Community Church will preach the gospel, love people, pray hard and will live transformed lives by the Word of God which will transform lives.

Is that it? Uummm! Yea.

God sent, His Son, JESUS, the Christ, to die, for sinners, so that, all who, believe in Jesus(Son of God), Who He IS(God), What He Has Done(came, died,resurrected) and What He Has Said He'll Do(save from sins/one day return). That these who believe will have new life, changed life, Truth, Faith, Hope and above all these Love...

Then discipleship will begin. I believe God will do a work in this community. Because God is in West Garfield!!!

...and God's workin ova there

Two Saturdays ago another great day took place. Me, Korey, and Ben went to an all-star high school basketball game between the west and the south side prep school here in Chicago. The game was at DePaul University just a few stops from my school. The best things was that our young guys came with us. On Thursday nights me Korey and Frank do ministry on the West Side of Garfield Park called C.R.I.B.S. so it was great to have them with us...let me fill you in just a little.
On Thursdays usually my partners and I show up at the Church (Reborn Community Church, Pulaski&Wilcox) between 6-630pm. Sometimes our high schoolers are already there but sometimes just at the park up the street or on the way. We mostly spend these evenings hanging out at the Church, nothing too formal, not even our Bible lessons. We eat, play cards, talk, or whatever there is to do(as long as were spending some real time together). Foosball, four square, dodge ball, round robin(ping pong game), basketball, ANYTHING! Our goal is always to Love God and Love others and the preach the Gospel. We want to be primarily relational, we DO NOT want to just start another program. So after this 1 1/2 - 2 hours down time, we get to a short lesson usually no longer than 20mins. So there's your preview of how Thursdays go. Now Saturday.
I started that morning meeting with Jamie(the pastor) and we just prayed for some time, then we talked for a little while. I appreciate that we can do that too(were a pretty small Church). I think the high school guys were suppose to be there around 11am but it was almost 1230 before they came...can you say CPT? anybody? hahahaaaa
So I took Five of the guys back to school with me on the train. At my school we were having a carnival that day too. We did some bungy jumping, got icee and whatever else was going on this campus. Then we headed out to the game. The game was good and those kids on the court were big as heck. Dunking on each other and throwing oops and whatnot. We had a good time and I drove all the guys back at 9pm since it was late and we cough*cough*couldn'ttakethetraingot kickedoffcough*cough* ahhahaha dont tell nobody tho...it was an odd moment, made for laughs and memories, that's fa sho.
We love young people out here, and have no greater joy than to be a part of their lives. Ill put up some pic again soon. Its my last week of school then i'm out here all summer. I just want to spend all this time at church and with my boys you know. Praise God for what he does with us. Otherwise there's no telling what kinda mess we'd still be in.

God's workin ova here

So im finally recovering from this past weekend’s pains. I got into a slap boxing match against six middle school kids who were really tryna get @ me yall, I almost got sick, I lost a sock, bruised my knee, hurt my big toe and flipped off a bike and hurt my side and shoulder. But this is all in joy my friends. Yes! Much joy. You know all your pain is worth it when it comes from camp. That’s right. Big Brother/Sister retreat at Camp Beechpoint in Michigan. A day and a half of fun, basketball , games, food, nature, friends and most importantly JESUS! I know right, you’re coveting with extreme jealousy. Well don’t, it’s a sin (hahaha) OK OK sorry, that was a bad joke! My peoples get me tho. It was a really good time. I love my little brother, all his friends and their big brothers who love on them also even though they don’t relate or understand them most of the time. Our little brothers filled us with joy when they began to ask us questions about God and the Bible and sin. We were able to share the gospel wit them and prayed that they would understand. Pray for them Man-Man/Ques/JB/Leon/Reaqwon. haha lights out was at 10:45pm but of course our cabin was festive until after 12am, and that ain't where it ended either. but that's for another time.

I HAVEN’T FORGOT ABOUT MY LITTLE BROTHERS BACK HOME…SHOUT TO MY ACE “RICKY”…I LOVE AND MISS YOU FAM! I LOVE HEARING ABOUT HOW GOOD YOU’RE DOIN TOO…KEEP IT UP!

It’s a blessing to mentor and feed into the life of another. To be in the spotlight where you have someone watching and challenging you at every angle when they’re with you. Building a relationship that is more valuable than anything on your schedule because you begin to understand just how important and wonderful the life of another is. And this will feed into other facets of your life because of how God teaches you.

So I’d like to encourage you. That if you’re not loving on someone, investing in someone, disciplining someone and I’m not talking about your friend that’s of the opposite sex. But some real mentoring and accountability. THEN DO IT! You wont regret it! That’s all the time I’ve got… Ill post some pictures and try to put a couple videos on the next blog.

Love Yall…be easy, and keep it breezy….springs here….so keep ya head on straight and don’t catch a fever