(Legacy Tribute)... A Look into Perspective

This is a song about remembrance. Because the things we remember are special to us. The people we remember are dear to us. The moments we remember are eternal to us. That's how I especially feel about my grandparents. Words can't express. If you know then you know, and if you do not know it's ok. I'm sure that you have gained in an area of life that I cannot relate. But I understand, and I can still touch your heart strings.

There are people in life who we encounter that just, "stay". They're the parents of our friends, our family, strangers that we talk to in line at the dollar store and the blatant honesty of children asking us to make sense of our loaded statements.

Life is good. The gift of Life brings us together to experience spectacular chemistry. It can come from anyone and can happen at any time. It will leave its mark. We will remember it, it becomes a legacy. Your Legacy, My Legacy, Our Legacy.

Live that way. That's "Living to be Known"

(Teach Us How to Love)... A Look Into Perspective

There was a time when the Young Adult ministry was POPPIN! I had prayed that what was taking place would last a few generations. We had a great thing. And we still have a great thing. About eight years since and of course much has changed. Weddings and babies and careers and just about everything that could take place. And that's good. Because our place in the world is changing, as well as all of our positions. But I still remember those days... And I remember you all... I remember where you were then... Because we we're all there TOGETHER!

"Asking God to...teach us how to love..."


We had a stacked venue every week, All day Sundays, Friday evenings, movies, walks, home groups and events. We'll find our way back to it. Don't accept that grow old and grow apart mentality.

I Have A King

I very wonderful thing has happened to me.

It happened at a moment I never seen coming.

I knelt down because my legs were weary and was seeking some relief, if but for a second.

Quite appropriate, really, once I thought about it.

But back to that moment.

I was in the "kneel" position.

And all at once was reminded that a King stood before me, and that I belonged to Him.

God, Himself , stood before me.

And I remembered who I was and what I was.

Delroy Martin, Jr. : A Minister of the Gospel


I have a King! His Name is Jesus!

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.

Time Redeemed

TIME
You have played a marvelous trick, you have
From that magnificent moment God crafted you
Chose a place for you in His plan

TIME
You are a glorifying monument
A landmark, so to speak, of him as Majesty on High
For you remind me of my Lord very well

maybe it is for this  reason that I do not understand you
For you lay in his hand, just as I do

I wonder if you understand you purpose
Whether you recognize the moments as I do
Or if you too, wait with eager anticipation
For the return of the King

For this reason I judged you
The moment they sinned, did you also bear consequence?
Your eternal state is better off than those who will face his wrath
In the end you will be redeemed; unbroken and perfected

Even now you are being used under his flawless command
And my eyes have finally been opened to see you
How we rest in his hand together
Something given, something lost, something redeemed
And thus meant to be redeemed

O, what a beautiful sight!

Birthday in the Hospital

Keep this between us ok. Thanks

Last night, May 7th, 11:48pm I walk off campus down Chicago Ave. I go to the store on Clark Street to grab a pepsi and some mentos, the night is feeling good, the weather is nice and  I want to clear my head and "walk" into another year of life. I went in the store and got my treats and as I walked out I routinly did what I always do, look to the left, look to the right. Everything was fine and it was now 11:58pm. I begin down Clark and see a man I know, he's homeless. I talk to him as aften as I see him, help him out when it is in my ability to do so, always speak the truth, never judge, sometimes ask questions and he tells me he loves me because of it. I love this guys too, shoot, I love everybody. Well, I saw him there on clark Street in his wheel chair and expected what would happen next. "D-ROC!....come here man."

"What up g?"

"Ahhh, listen to me D-Roc, I need you to get me to the hospital right now"

"What up man, what hap-"

"I just got stabbed b, I need to get to the hospital, come around front of me, look"

That was all I needed to here. In that jumbled  moment I aksed which way to the hospital, if he wanted an  ambulance, I didn't ask what happened or why, I just got behind him and grabbed the handles and started pushin. His front whell was broken and I had to lean the lil bit of weight that I am on to keep that gap from dipping and tipping him over and out of his chair.

I won't say his name, I won't give the detail of the whole night. After his CT scan I was able to stay with him, and I did, and we talked. A lot.  and dealt with the nurses and docters and his attitude and theirs and everything.

As I pushed that wheelchair to the hospital, I checked my watch and saw 12:08am. I told him to stay awake. "Hey g, it's my birthday now." he told me happy birthday. I stayed in that hospital next to his bed, watched him itch and scratch, squirt blood, hurt and moan, laugh, be angry etc... I talked to his mom on the phone. Again Ill spare details. But he told me "God sent you my way man, I know it." And I know it.

There was no major injury from the stab wounds thank God. He could sit up and talk and would be fine, although he did break his hand fighting back. I stayed there until 4:30am. This is finals week for us and I had lots of work to do today. Plans for today. Plans for a short walk last night that did not include being up until 5:30am. I spent my birthday in a hospital, next to a homeless friend who was stabbed, able to talk openly about God, able to glorify God right where I was. Yea, I spent my birthday in a hospital. What could've been better?

P.S. - he's ok. his mother picked him up about an hour ago. Now, at least for the time, he'll have a bed, food, and a woman of God to share in his life daily...Everybody. Please pray that God turns this man's heart and saves him. Amen

Meeting Ho Dap (continued.)

"Moody!...ah, yea, yeaaaaa, I know Moody (pause), Mooody Biiible Institute" He said with elongated vowels. "Years ago they would have people going everywhere..." what's the word he used....ummm...well I can't remember but he used a funny word to say that they were street witnessing and open air preaching, "and whatnot" as he finished.

(Earlier in the conversation he invited me to go with him to a spot in the city where one could view the whole city and even Indiana...but at that time i politely declined.Also I explained how I dont really listen to rap past 2005 because its WACK! After he heard why, he nonchalantly agreed and said that I need to take my message to the streets. But I began to pray for a message for him in that moment.)

That was a great invitation i thought to tell a little bit of how I got to Moody, how i didn't even want to come here at first and what the goal is of me being here. To my surprise he wanted to know...So I told him.
I told him how I study communications studies and how I felt that a lack of knowledge and ability to communicate was a big reason why not only Christians but those who are looking for answers are unsatisfied and feel unable to really evangelize or apply the that they hear and are shown truth. Of course accompanied with a solid faith in Christ... I made it clear that I was only speaking from the outlook and perspective of someone whose Faith was in Jesus Christ. My bottom line in sharing with him was to present the Gospel and answer a couple of basic questions in the process. Answers to the 'WHAT?" questions. What is this? what is that? what does this mean? but most importantly in this series of questions to keep in mind,, that when you ask them you ask what is this(for the believer)?

It went a little like this(simplified version)...
When people think of faith they have many definitions like believing in something you can't explain or don't see. Yet I beg to differ. For the believer some people try to give an explanation rather than an answer. They want to sound intelligent rather than understood. The truth is that they really do not know. Is faith in the outcome, the thing, the hope. If I told you I had a job interview tomorrow would you tell em to "just have faith, and I'll get it." I don't even know what you really mean, seems like we use faith as a 'feel better for now' remedy. When really what we should be saying is "The Lord's will be done!" But rarely do we say that. We like to sound all spiritual and quote Hebrews 11:1 if we know it. But can you explain the verse...From what I can say about people in whom I have inquired, the answer has been either no, or another abstract explanation that can't be understood. Unfortunate (this applies for hope, prayer, worship, the will of God and so much more.) but why? Why cant it be as simple as a few words or a sentence? I think it can be that way..."you know what I'm say?" I asked Dap.
He nods and tells me to make sure I speak up since his hearing is not so great with all the city noise going on around us. So he lent me his ear and I finished my proclamation. "If you asked me 'what is Faith?" I would tell you "Believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God!"...How? you ask? [well let me just share a piece of how and you can confirm that or find me to be a liar and I pray you lovingly rebuke me.]

Hebrews 11:1 says "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." 
What I'm going to ask you if if you see that Jesus fits to what this verse here is saying...Ready>Go
1. What is the "assurance"? Jesus!?
2. What things are "hoped(expected) for"? Jesus!?
3. What is "the conviction(evidence)"? Jesus!?
4. What are the "things not seen"? Jesus!?

Did not Jesus say, believe in God, and Believe in Me also. I AM the way/truth/life. Light of the world. That I Am in the Father and the Father is in me and that they were One, that the Helper would be sent in His name. Was not the promise from Genesis that Jesus would come and the End that Jesus will come again and reign eternal. Who is the Beginning and End that the book of Revelation says is? Jesus I think. Ephesians 2:8 says grace through faith. Christians believe only by Jesus. I advise that you study the Bible and look to see if even the Old Testament saints weren't being prepare and led in the prophesying of a King and Messiah(JESUS).  and even though they did not know who specifically they believed, they believed God. Which Philippians and Colossians both say Jesus exist as....

I proceeded to share the gospel. How Jesus who existed as God through the Holy Spirit who is God impregnated a virgin so that a Son, namely Jesus. would be born to save humanity back to Himself by dying on a cross and raising on the third day of His death according to scripture and will one day come back for those who believe to be judged, but not condemned, and spend eternity with Him while those who did not believe were judged and condemned. That is is the Faith of the believer and that Jesus who IS the Son of God as the centerpiece( or better yet cornerstone).

Then with enthusiasm Ho Dap responds with "PRAISE GOD, LORD JESUS, KING ALMIGHTY!"
I just smiled and at that very moment His bus that we had been waiting for from the time I had seen him, finally came. And I promise you we had seen other buses go by at least three each. As people began to line up for the bus he hugged me, asked me my real name, thanked me and gave me a blessing, told me his name in which i gave a blessing back. Then he hugged me one more long time quite tightly and then got on the bus and left. I turned and watched the bus go and after thanking God (silently so), I just began to walk. Ended up at a Turkish event...So I guess you can look out for that post next. HA! 


 

H.O. D.A. to the P.

Do not let the Title fool you!
Ho Dap is his name and emceeing is his game, message moving is his frame and lifting spirits is his fame.
I could tell that freestyle rapping is something he did on a regular basis as he meets people in the streets of Chicago everyday. That's what he did for me. So let me introduce you to the day, of what I call a God ordained/providential meeting that took place, i met the now famous (in my eyes) HO DAP!

If I can remember correctly, and I'm sure that I do, it was a Sunday afternoon heading into the evening and I knew that I just was not going to make it to Church, so unfortunate. I had done something earlier that day helping someone out, I cannot remember who, and by the time we had made it back around service at Reborn had already started. I had planned to join friends on the North side for dinner that day so I decided that I would take my camera and take a walk through the city towards Clark and Lake "L" stop and catch the line from there. Standing on State St. just after crossing Wacker Dr. and looking into the crowd it seemed as if there were thousands of people moving at one time. I said to myself "Self", but Myself didn't answer (musta been distracted), so i said again "Self!", Myself said "huh, uh..yea w-sup", so i said "Ima take a picture, this my look cool"....so I did lol. It was then that I realized that there was an older man looking in my direction and had seemed to be staring directly at me.

The picture I was trying to take(kinda caught a piece of Dap on left, his shirt)...

...and the one I didn't realize that caught Ho Dap(in the orange shirt)

As I continued on my stride down State St., Dap, orange shirt,with a bottle in his hand and arms folded, was staring at me the whole time as I moved closer in the direction where he stood. The leery look on his face spoke to me, you know those times when you play out a scene in your mind based off what you're looking at; yea I did that. All I heard was "WHAT SO YOU THINK YOU WERE JUST DOING!" and of course I have resolved in my mind that in the worst case scenario that I would have to claim self defense for hitting this frantic man who got the wrong impression of what I was doing...Stupid me though...It actually went more like this
Dap - "So you professional, novice, beginner or just like taking pictures?"
Me -  "Just taking pictures, my camera is fairly new so I'm just messin round with it. I was trying to capture all the people in that space right there because it looked like a thousand people walking right there"
He asked if I were taking pictures for school, i said no; we exchanged a few more words and he eventually asked me if I liked hip-hop...I almost threw a thizz face at my dude...instead I just answered "yea". IMMEDIATELY he started goin HAM with the rhymes. He switched  back and forth between different styles while naming off the rappers before he did so. He'd throw out T.I.'s name and then switch the flow then Wayne and switch the flow then Drake and switch the flow...and he watnt bad either...(yea I said watnt because that's how I talks, ye' diiig- n my cousin Jamel voice (shout out TVJ) ).
When he was done he asked me what I thought and I told him that he was tight. Truly I was impressed. I asked him if he was from Chicago and he said no, but then he said he moved to Chicago at a young age so, "yea". Dap said he was 21 or 23 in 1966 that would put him around 60+yrs. He asked me if I emcee but I said not really that much these days. He asked if i was from Chicago and I said no. After learning that I was from Californ-i-a he asked why I would trade that for Chicago. So once I told him that I came for Moody, his reaction turned the course.

*well that's time, so if you want the rest look out for part two*

HOLLA!