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Lately, I’ve been getting into butterflies …with my grandson, Israel, here in Chicago, and then again with my granddaughter Frania, who lives in Warsaw, Poland.

It all started when Israel and I started noticing a few small white butterflies fluttering around in one of the gardens by our house…here in the inner-city. Cool.

A few days later I was sitting in my lazy-boy relaxing, and looking out our window on the 2nd floor of our Jesus People 10-story apartment building. Just outside our window, my wife, Sandy, has put together her own little flower garden for us to enjoy during the summer months. This garden is kind of hidden by a 3 ft. high brick wall on our buildings front edge. So it’s not easy to see or access from the ground…here in Uptown, Chicago.

And so I’m just gazing out our window when all of a sudden my eyes catch this little white butterfly hanging out in our garden… checking out our small variety of flowers.

I just sat there for a few moments and then all of a sudden a thought hit me: “Now, how did this little white butterfly find its way up here?” I mean, it just kind of blew my mind.

And it just started me thinking of God, creation, and nature, and just the awe-inspiring acumen of God. I mean, it was no problem for God to create this butterfly with the instincts (or whatever) to easily discover our “hidden garden.”

And so, I just sat there grinning to myself, and uttering the words, “Wow, pretty awesome.“

And then a few days later I found myself on the other side of our planet…visiting my son, Jon, his wife, Ola, and my granddaughter, Frania. On one of our walks, we were fortunate to visit Ola’s grandmother, Helen, and her garden, which is not so small, and it’s not very hidden.

Soon Frania and I became enthralled with all the “cool” butterflies that were flittering around her garden.

We had a brief time of “bonding” over the butterflies, when she decided it was time to “swing” a bit.

And so, what did I discover? I guess it really is “no problem” for God to have a lot of the similar cool things taking place all around the world, wherever we find ourselves. I guess we just need to keep our eyes open to the beauty and wonder that one can find not only in butterflies, but also in grandchildren, and how they can bring us all together… if only for a few moments.

By Avabella Eugenia Smith (1844-1916)

This poem was printed in at least 217 newspapers during the 19th century.

If I should die tonight ,

My friends would look upon my quiet face

Before they laid it in its resting place,

And deem that death had felt it almost fair;

And laying snow-white flowers against my hair,

Would smooth it down with tearful tenderness,

And fold my hands with lingering caress;

Poor hands, so empty and so cold tonight!

If I should die tonight,

My friends would call to mind with loving thought,

Some kindly deed the icy hand had wrought,

Some gentle word the frozen lips had said;

Errands on which the willing feet had sped.

The memory of my selfishness and pride,

My hasty words, would all be put aside,

And so I should be loved and mourned tonight.

If I should die tonight,

Even hearts estranged would turn once more to me,

Recalling other days remorsefully.

The eyes that chill me with averted glance

Would look upon me as of yore, perchance,

Would soften in the old, familiar way;

For who could war with dumb, unconscious clay?

So I might rest, forgiven of all, tonight.

O friends, I pray tonight,

Keep not your kisses for my dead, cold brow.

The way is lonely; let me feel them now.

Think gently of me; I am travel-worn;

My faltering feet are pierced with many a thorn.

Forgive, O hearts estranged, forgive, I plead!

When dreamless rest is mine I shall not need

Say hello to Gary

From Clinton, Illinois

But he’s in Uptown now

And both Gary and I are watching God work in his very own mysterious ways.

He was just taking it easy by the fence between our community and Uplift high school on a hot summer’s afternoon. My wife, Sandy, had noticed him as she parked one of our vans. So when she came in the apartment she mentioned to me that maybe I ought to go over and bring him a cold bottle of water.”

I said, “Ok,” and was on my way a few minutes later.

His face broke out into a big smile as he saw me approaching him with the water. “Wow, just what I needed,” he said, as he gladly received the bottle. “Thank you. May God bless you.”

“You’re welcome,” I replied.

I was soon amazed at how friendly and welcoming this guy was as he sat in the shade of a tree by the fence. The perfect spot for a “cup of cold water.”

We chit-chatted for a few minutes. He told me his name was Gary … from Clinton, Illinois. And he went to explain about his passion for “landscaping,” which he said he did a lot of back home from where his sister was from.

And then he explained how he’d sure like to go back home. And then he told me how he was sure that his sister was coming to get him… any minute now…to take him back home.

But as he was relating all this to me, I couldn’t help but question “the reality” of his desires. They sounded like a delusional pipe-dream, and a desperate heart-felt cry for a change of scenery.

And then we got to talking about God. “Oh yeah, you better believe that I believe in the Lord above,” he calmly stated. “I know he gives us everything we need. “

“You mean, you’ve really experienced that in your life?” I responded. “Got any tips on how we all can experience getting “everything we need” from the Lord?

He deliberated for a moment and then blurt out, “Yeah, I’d just say humble yourself , ask for forgiveness , trust, and I know he’ll take care of you.”

“Yeah, that’s sounds real good, ” I said.

I left him by the fence, and went on about my business. But as I thought about our encounter later, a kind of bittersweet sensibility surrounded me.

Here was this guy, Gary, with whom I had this chance meeting, and of course I believed that he was almost certainly from one of the few half-way houses in our Uptown area.

And here was this Gary, expressing himself so freely, and there was no way he was not going to deny his deepest longings for home.

He was trapped in his delusions… of what he probably wished would come to fruition most every day.

But then, another observation struck me about our Lord.

Here was this guy, Gary, who appeared so content to sit idly by a fence on a hot day under the shade of a tree. And as I had surmised, he was surely from a local half-way house, and on some form of medication. Furthermore, he exuded this peace which expressed itself as one who had long conceded that his supposed “predicament” would indeed become reality … if not sooner, then later. He was clinging to his belief that his sister was going to arrive… someday…and whisk him away… back to his home town.

So what was my observation about our Lord? It seemed rather apparent to me that the Jesus that I believe in, and the Jesus Gary believed in, were one and the same. And although, it was obvious that Gary had some serious mental health issues, I also believed that “our” Jesus” had no trouble comforting and taking of care of Gary’s needs.

And then somehow, I saw that Gary’s very life, with help of the Spirit, prompted me to believe a little moreso that my Jesus is also giving me everything I need. For though I say I believe that ( and I believe that I do) , I freely confess that I am challenged each and every day to really believe deep in my heart of hearts…that he is doing exactly just that.

Thank you Jesus for working your peace, your will, in both of our lives. It is indeed, mysterious … and oh so wonderful .

I met Tony hustling some carts in Aldi’s parking lot. I had been

observing him for a few moments, and there was something

about him that caught my eye.

What was it? I guess it was just the calm, easy-going, manner

with which he carried himself as he assisted this woman as she

unloaded her groceries from her shopping cart into her car.

“Hey, how you doin’,” I asked, as he was strolling by with his

cart.

“Oh, I’m hanging in there,” he said.

“And what’s your name?”

“My name’s Tony, “ he said.

After a bit more small talk, I gently inquired of Tony: “Do you

have a place to stay?”

“No, not right now, “he responded. “Right now, I’ve been

sleeping under the Wilson viaduct until I can get my life a little

more together.”

“Oh, I see,” I replied. “Well, hang in there, and may God bless

you.”

And may God bless you as well,” he said with a smile. “And you

know what, how about ‘I’ll pray for you and you pray for me.’”

“Yeah, that sounds good,” I responded. “Thanks so much.”

And I told Tony that I was going to get a whole lot more folks

praying for him and his situation.

He didn’t have a problem with that.

So now, you know what to do?

I ran into Abraham sitting on the sidewalk outside of Aldi’s. He

was in a relaxed mood and we chatted for a bit.

He said he’d been living in Chicago for the past 10 years. He

told me he was originally from Somalia and that he adhered to

his Muslim faith.

I told Abraham that I was originally from Upstate New York, and

that I’d been living in Chicago for the past 45 years. And I

mentioned that I was a believer in Jesus.

And then he told me that he will pray for me.

And I responded, “And I will pray for you.”

So now, I request that any of you “followers”, who checked out

this site, say a little prayer for Abraham…somebody’s son.

I’ve known Diane for a number years. She used to frequent our

dinner guest program. So when we passed each other on the

street recently, we stopped for a moment, and I asked her how

she was doing?

Diane’s response was instantaneous : “Blessed by the best,

and forget about the rest!”

When she spoke those words so effortlessly, I had to chuckle.

And then I chimed in saying, “Yeah, wow, that’s a good one.”

“Yeah, that’s something I say all the time, “she continued.

And isn’t that something that we all need to keep on learning

how to do. You know, forgetting about the “rest” (whatever

“the rest” is on any particular day.)

Yeah, I’d like to be more like Diane in this respect … which I

believe is a little more like Jesus.

Previously, a rally took place and the rally was sponsored by the “Chicago Union of the Homeless,” One Northside, and Northside Action For Justice.”

Here are the reasons for opposing the Weiss hospital parking lot zoning change as stated by these sponsors:

*In Uptown, over 50% of renters are rent burdened

*The median rent has increased by 50% in the last ten years

*Many Uptown residents (present and former) are living in tents or doubling up with other relatives or friends

*Lack of low and mid-range housing options is threatening the diversity of Uptown

And now, please listen to Angela Clay, a long-time activist, and a recent candidate in the last Alderman’s election here in Uptown. Just listen to her passion for these exasperating issues that the low-income folks of Uptown have been facing for the past few decades…and continue to face.

So you see and hear… this really is serious business. And Angela continued to remind us all, exactly, what’s at stake. “We are not just at the tipping point of gentrification for Uptown , but the tipping point for the entire city of Chicago,” she said. “If you think it’s not coming to your doorstep, you are a blind bat.”

And Bonnie, the President of the Chicago Union of the homeless, told how she was always raised to believe that this country ought to live up to its promises when our Constitution’s Preamble states: “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility , provide for the common defense. promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

But what does that really mean, and in particular, how does this apply to the debate over “affordable housing?”

It’s simple, really. But it’s also difficult.

We’re talking about how this “democracy” we all share works best. And it works best when all “voices” are heard, and then the majority of voters…“not partisan manipulation, determines the outcome of elections” (Governing newsletter, Sept. 22, 2020).

And so, “the common people” need to be listened to and respected, if true democracy is to have a fighting chance.

“When public officials forget about “We the People,” they fail to “promote the general Welfare” of the nation, “insure domestic Tranquility” or “establish Justice”---all preconditions for securing what the framers described as the blessings of liberty” (Governing newsletter, 9/22/2020).

And here’s the cardinal point. It all boils down to this: “When it says “We the People,” continues Bonnie from the Coalition, “ we need to remember…WE ARE THE PEOPLE… and we shouldn’t have to fight for our housing.”

Angela further pointed out that the proposed development would “offer” 8 units of affordable housing… out of the 300+ units. “We are fighting… just to have a place to be safe,” she said. “We are talking about lives. And we are fighting for everyone. We are even fighting for those who can afford these rents. We don’t want you to be “priced out” either. We just feel that we should have all the affordable housing that we need.”

Sounds reasonable? Does it not?

But take a look at some very real examples of what’s happening all around us… here in Uptown. Check out these two pics of current “spots“ that soon will boast some really “big complexes”….with a token bit of “living quarters” apportioned to what could be labelled as affordable to many of Uptown’s current residents.

And so, what does all this mean for you and I?

I’d say it means that I whenever you or I get a good night’s sleep, well, it’s not just something that we ought to take for granted. Especially since we know that there‘s so many, right now, right in my backyard and yours, who haven’t had a good night’s sleep for a while.

And oh yeah, I guess we could also fight right alongside those who are crying out to not only be heard, but also “housed.”

And how about simply showing some compassion towards those who live this “struggle” each and every day. That might mean, doing some advocacy work for these folks when you can. It might mean volunteering at a shelter, or joining a group that aligns with your convictions. It might mean helping out however God’s leads you as your paths cross with the folks on the bottom… the least in our society.

And I think (no I’m sure of) that we all can pray for God’s hand to move in hearts of all of us who call ourselves a part of this “human race…” to do the right thing. And in those prayers, we need to ask for mercy for all of us who have a roof over our heads… that we can afford.

THE FIGHT FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING…And whatever

happened to “We the People….”

Some say “affordable housing for those that need it… Sure, why

not? But we do have to think about the cost and the ROI.”

(Return on Investment) Just don’t build it by me, you know,

NIMBY (Not in my backyard.)

But many others say, “Hey, we live here. We’ve been here for

decades. Don’t we deserve a place we can afford? And isn’t

housing a human right…in this day and age?”

And then are still others who are saying, “You know, there’s

something terribly wrong with our society’s priorities. And they

are confronting the sticky contention of those who question the

practicality of engaging in the building of affordable housing:

Those who say, “Sure, we’re for “affordable housing,” but not

at the cost it would demand.”

And the response of these “still others” to this point of view

would be: “How can we not “afford” to build this much-

needed housing for the “human beings” who are left out in the

streets or “stacked up” in studios and one-bedroom apts.?”

And finally, do you ever wonder about the phrase “We the

people” as stated in the Preamble to our Constitution? And

what, if any, connection does that simple statement have to do

with the subject of “affordable housing” today?

Yeah, it’s real. It’s real…this fight for affordable housing here

in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago… and in so many other

neighborhoods across America.

Back on June 10th we attended a housing rally to halt the

building of more condos in the parking lot of Uptown’s Weiss

hospital. A few dedicated activists got together to stage a rally

regarding the vote to approve or not approve a proposal for a

zoning change that would permit developers to build more

condos at this site.

The rally was sponsored by the “Chicago Union of the

Homeless,” One Northside, and Northside Action For Justice.”

Here are the reasons for opposing the Weiss hospital parking

lot zoning change as stated by these sponsors:

*In Uptown, over 50% of renters are rent burdened

*The median rent has increased by 50% in the last ten years

*Many Uptown residents (present and former) are living in

tents or doubling up with other relatives or friends

*Lack of low and mid-range housing options is threatening the

diversity of Uptown

And now, please listen to Angela Clay, a long-time activist, and

a recent candidate in the last Alderman’s election here in

Uptown. Just listen to her passion for these exasperating issues

that the low-income folks of Uptown have been facing for the

past few decades…and continue to face.

So you see and hear… this really is serious business. And Angela continued to remind us all, exactly, what’s at stake. “We are not just at the tipping point of gentrification for Uptown , but the tipping point for the entire city of Chicago,” she said. “If you think it’s not coming to your doorstep, you are a blind bat.”

And Bonnie, the President of the Chicago Union of the homeless, told how she was always raised to believe that this country ought to live up to its promises when our Constitution’s Preamble states: “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility , provide for the common defense. promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

But what does that really mean, and in particular, how does this apply to the debate over “affordable housing?”

It’s simple, really. But it’s also difficult.

We’re talking about how this “democracy” we all share works best. And it works best when all “voices” are heard, and then the majority of voters…“not partisan manipulation, determines the outcome of elections” (Governing newsletter, Sept. 22, 2020).

And so, “the common people” need to be listened to and respected, if true democracy is to have a fighting chance.

“When public officials forget about “We the People,” they fail to “promote the general Welfare” of the nation, “insure domestic Tranquility” or “establish Justice”---all preconditions for securing what the framers described as the blessings of liberty” (Governing newsletter, 9/22/2020).

And here’s the cardinal point. It all boils down to this: “When it says “We the People,” continues Bonnie from the Coalition, “ we need to remember…WE ARE THE PEOPLE… and we shouldn’t have to fight for our housing.”

Angela further pointed out that the proposed development would “offer” 8 units of affordable housing… out of the 300+ units. “We are fighting… just to have a place to be safe,” she said. “We are talking about lives. And we are fighting for everyone. We are even fighting for those who can afford these rents. We don’t want you to be “priced out” either. We just feel that we should have all the affordable housing that we need.”

Sounds reasonable? Does it not?

But take a look at some very real examples of what’s happening all around us… here in Uptown. Check out these two pics of current “spots“ that soon will boast some really “big complexes”….with a token bit of “living quarters” apportioned to what could be labelled as affordable to many of Uptown’s current residents.

And so, what does all this mean for you and I?

I’d say it means that I whenever you or I get a good night’s sleep, well, it’s not just something that we ought to take for granted. Especially since we know that there‘s so many, right now, right in my backyard and yours, who haven’t had a good night’s sleep for a while.

And oh yeah, I guess we could also fight right alongside those who are crying out to not only be heard, but also “housed.”

And how about simply showing some compassion towards those who live this “struggle” each and every day. That might mean, doing some advocacy work for these folks when you can. It might mean volunteering at a shelter, or joining a group that aligns with your convictions. It might mean helping out however God’s leads you as your paths cross with the folks on the bottom… the least in our society.

And I think (no I’m sure of) that we all can pray for God’s hand to move in hearts of all of us who call ourselves a part of this “human race…” to do the right thing. And in those prayers, we need to ask for mercy for all of us who have a roof over our heads… that we can afford.

MAYBE WE’RE ASKING THE WRONG QUESTION?

IF WE’RE ASKING, “WHAT IS TRUTH?”

MAYBE WE OUGHT TO BE ASKING, “WHO IS TRUTH?”  

WHAT QUESTION ARE YOU ASKING?

“WHAT IS TRUTH?” or   “WHO IS TRUTH?”

SOME THOUGHTS ON THE DIALOGUE BETWEEN 

JESUS AND PILATE.  

In John 18, we discover a lot of talk around the topic of truth.  First, we encounter Jesus answering the high priest, “Why question me? Ask those who have heard me.”  

Jesus is then struck in the face by an official saying, “Why are talking back to the high priest like that? “ 

“If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong.  But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?”  

The high priest had no answer and sent Jesus to Caiaphas.  

Next, we get to listen on Peter’s denial of knowing Jesus… not once, not twice, but three times.  Here, we see Peter does not testify to the truth.  He lies about what he knows to be true.  

Then the rooster crows, signaling that what Jesus had predicted had occurred.  He had predicted that one of his closest disciples’, Peter, would deny even knowing him.  Jesus had spoken the truth.  

And after Caiaphas, Jesus is taken to Pilate.  The Jewish authorities were probably scheming in their minds, thinking something like, “Ok, this guy is so “slippery.”  Maybe we ought to just take him to Pilate.  Surely, he will agree with us.  Surely, he will find something seriously wrong with this guy.  And we’re pretty sure he’ll have no problem sending him to his execution.”  

But that does not happen… at first.  In fact, Pilate pitches this “dilemma” right back into their laps.  “Hey guys, why are you bringing me this guy to deal with?” he says.  We can even hear Pilate’s likely thoughts: “I mean, come on, guys, this is your department.  And I’m trusting you to do the right thing.”  

So how do the Jews respond?  “Yeah, we know, but we really don’t have the “right” to execute anyone?”  

Now the “ball” is back in Pilate’s court.  He might have been thinking, “Execution? Who said anything about execution”? 

Still, Pilate sensed that this was a potentially “deadly” situation, and so he says, “Alright, let me check this man out myself.  Let me see if I can get to the bottom of what all this hostility is all about.”  

So he brings Jesus back into his palace, away from the crowds.  And he probably said something to the effect:  “So I’m told that these folks, these accusers, are your people.  And I’m also hearing that you’re claiming to be a king.  And it seems that these people have become so offended by your claims that they want to have you crucified!”  

And then Pilate seems to take a different approach.  “So what do you say about yourself?” he inquiries. “Do you really believe that you are the king of the Jews”?   

Jesus must have been taken a back for a moment, but he then simply does some inquiry of his own.  “Are you asking this question--because you really want to know what I really believe about myself and my mission?   Or did you just hear a few reports about me, and so you thought that since you are a sane, rational person that you might as well do some investigating of your own?”  

And so, Pilate is questioned by Jesus.  And how does he respond?

He responds rather defensively and seems to say, “What? Can’t you see that I’m on your side?  It was your own people who handed you over to me?  Can’t you see that I’m trying to help you? Can’t you see that I’m trying to get your own people to change their minds about you? I mean, can’t you please tell me, “What is it that you have done?”     

Then Jesus seems to understand where Pilate is coming from.  He seems to say, “Alright…just listen, I’ll let you in on a “little” secret.  Yeah, I am a king, but my kingdom is not of this world.  I’ve got my eyes on a lot better kingdom.”

And then Jesus says something like, “Hey, can’t you see that if my concerns were for here and now, well then, those who follow me would have stood up for me.  They would have fought for me.”  

And this is where a rather “far-out,” but possible conversation that Jesus could have had with Pilate.  He could have said, “Well, to be honest, there was a little “slip up” in the garden. My right-hand man Peter--even he had the wrong idea.  He got excited and started to defend me with a sword. (John 18:10)  But I put a stop to that real quick.  I even healed up the man’s ear that Peter had cut off.  (Luke 22:49-51) 

“I just wanted everyone to know --my disciples and my accusers--that I did not want to physically fight this battle.  Indeed, I had my own view of what was taking place at my arrest.  I knew that I would have to go through some rather “tough stuff” if I was to be even considered “worthy” of taking my place as king… at another time and place.”

And how does Pilate respond?  “Ok, then, now I think I kind of understand you a bit better than I did before.  I see now that you really believe that you are a king, but it just doesn’t look like it right now.  And furthermore, you honestly believe that your time will come… sometime in the future? Right?“ 

Jesus: “Hey, you know, I see that you “get me” fairly well. But let me tell you a little more about what I believe about myself.  I sincerely believe that this is why I was born into this world.  I was born into this world to testify to the truth.”  

And what was the over-riding “truth” that Jesus himself proclaimed?  He was revealing to everyone just how far “off base” everyone is.  And he meant everyone--all the religious folks and all the not so religious folks.  His message made it clear that everyone needs help, everyone  needs forgiveness , and the way to receive that forgiveness was to trust in him.  

And then Jesus lowers the bombshell.  He says, “Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”   

Whoa?!! What?   You mean, this Jesus is saying is that everyone who wants to get on the right path, who truly wants to understand what this life is all about, well then, they need to “listen” to him.  

At this point we sense that Pilate has become increasingly frustrated and befuddled.  He simply can not bring himself to consider even the “remote” possibility that these “truths” that Jesus espouses could possibly be true.  Indeed, he must have felt, this “Jesus” is just “too much.”  

Next, Pilate lets his frustration out by saying something like, “Oh, come on, now Jesus, “What is truth? I mean, who really knows what life is all about?  I mean, who really knows all the answers?  Don’t you know that questions like that are way beyond all of our pay-grades?!”     

And so we see Pilate at his wits end?  He might have even been thinking, “Oh my, this guy really is convinced about who he thinks he is.  I mean, I even kind of feel bad for him.  I mean, he seems like a good guy… just seriously deluded.“   

And so he goes out to the Jews and says, “Hey guys, I can’t find anything serious enough to charge this guy with.  I mean, I just don’t see why you want this guy “gone” so badly”?

And then Pilate himself seems to figure a way out of this “mess.”  And it  comes from his own people (the powers that be).  It was the practice that they, the ruling powers, would release one prisoner each year during Passover.  This practice was looked upon as “a gift” from the Roman rulers to the Jewish rulers.  

And so Pilate lays out his idea to them.  He says, “Hey, I think I’ve an answer to this quandary that we all find ourselves in.  How about releasing this guy, this Jesus, who really believes that he’s your king?  I mean, why not, he seems harmless enough, doesn’t he?  I mean, are you really that set on seeing him “eliminated” from your lives?”

Next we see that it didn’t take long for the crowd of Jews to give him an answer. “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!”   

They had already had their minds made up.  It’s like they were thinking, “What?  Are you kidding?  Even you Pilate?  Even you have found a soft spot in your heart towards this troublemaker?   Even you are making an appeal for him? “  

And so we see that even the Jews –the religious folks of the day had given up on giving this “Jesus” another chance.  They seemed to be thinking, “We gave this guy a chance.  I mean, we gave him so many chances but he refused to fit into our understanding of so many “truths” that we’d been taught for so long.”  

Furthermore, the Jews rationale (and everyone’s really) must have been that we’ll even align ourselves with guys like  Barabbas--a guy who’s ways were violent---but at least he was fighting for us, for our rights, our freedoms.  

And this is where ALL of us –and that means everyone--is shown to be against this Jesus.  You see, it seems that ALL of us have shown ourselves to doubt this guys “truth” in some way or another. 

And I think we can see that it’s because we’re asking the wrong question.  It’s not ,“What is truth?” It’s, “Who is the truth?”  

For if Jesus is the truth (John 14:6)—like he claims ----and if he really is “a king” like he says he says is (Luke 23:3), well then, we’d do well to listen to and obey him.  

I mean, what other choice do we have?  

Oh yeah, we can choose to not follow him, or accept him, or even give him a chance in our lives.  I mean, it’s our lives, and we can make of it what we want, right?  

Right!  

But it just seems to me that when one stops for a moment and considers his or her options, well then, it would be “crazy” not to seriously consider this Jesus, who says he’s “the truth’, the very embodiment of truth.

You see, this is where we all get so mixed up, where we fall so far short in our understanding of the truth as a Person.  

But this Person is so understanding, so forgiving , and so loving that his primary desire is to put our hearts and minds at rest.  And he desires to walk right alongside each of us as we search for and listen for the truth of every little and every big question that we all seek answers to each and every day.  

And this Jesus can do this….because he is the truth!  

But this is where Jesus has become, and still is, a “stumbling block” to everyone who cannot (or will not) believe that he is who he said he is.  (Romans 9:33)

You see, this Jesus’ assessment of our very “human race” is one that says, “Hey folks, your deeds and your hearts are in need of healing and forgiveness.  And this is the very reason I’ve come, I’ve come to lay down my life for you… because I really do want to be with “whosoever” (John 3:16) desires to know and live with ‘the truth” for all time!”  

Of course, there is another option.  One can choose to grab onto a bit of truth wherever one can find it.  This is so, simply “because all truth is God’s truth.”  And so, one can try to hold life’s enigmas the best we can, but it seems we cannot (or will not) “permit” ourselves to come to the full knowledge of the truth.   

And why is this?  It’s because we aren’t holding on to his teaching. (John 8:31)  We haven’t allowed ourselves to really get to know this Jesus.  We haven’t allowed ourselves to really get to know this person who is “Truth.”  For if we had, well then, we would know it (him) and this truth (this person), and he would set us free.  (John 8:32) 

And what would we be free from?  We would be free from thinking that we “know it all.”  We would be free from thinking that just because we are religious does not mean that we do not need to be “set free” from our sin.  

And then Jesus makes his “truth” absolutely clear.  “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.  Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.  So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”  (John 8:34-36)

You see, it’s the Person of Jesus who sets us free from our selfish, sinful ways.   You see, since he is the very embodiment of “truth” he is the only one who can do this.   And he says we will “know” we are free, and there will be no mistaking where that “freedom” came from!   

And so, the question remains.  Which question are we asking ourselves—“What is truth?”  Or are we asking, “Could the truth-the full and complete, unadulterated truth—be a Person?  The Person of Jesus Christ.  

Thanks for stopping by.  

HEY EVERYBODY… SOME GREAT NEWS!

CHRIS RAMSEY’S BOOK NOW AVAILABLE…ONCE AGAIN.   

Chris’s book, “Discovering Jesus in the Least,” is now being offered once again… with the hopes of reaching a wider audience.  The text is EXACTLY the same as the Ist publication… but this 2nd publication (by Bookbaby) does have a fresh, new look on the front and back cover.   

Just to be absolutely clear, if you have already purchased a copy of the 1st publication, you need not order this one. (Unless, of course, you’d like to purchase one for a like-minded friend).   

But, if you have not purchased a copy of the 1st publication, then this 2nd publication is for you. And we ask that you consider purchasing an ebook for $3.99 (AZW,EPub,PDF) or a paperback for $15.99 from the Bookbaby Bookshop at https://store.bookbaby.com/book/discovering-jesus-in-the-least

Of course, you can also purchase the book on Amazon and other major book sellers, but we would hope that you would purchase from Bookbaby as they offer us substantially higher royalties than the rest of the suppliers. 

So it’s a win/win for us and you.  You get a fair price, and excellent service.  While we get a much fairer payout from sales, and we don’t have to get involved with the shipping and mailing of the book.   

So if you’re interested in purchasing this book, please go to:  

https://store.bookbaby.com/book/discovering-jesus-in-the-least

Thanks for stopping by.  And please remember “the least” are all around us.  We just have to have “eyes” that see. 

 I met up with Tony once more: the view from his perspective…presently.

12/5/2019

THANKSGIVING:  A FESTIVE TIME AT CCO

   We at CCO had another great Thanksgiving  with our clients this year.  And this is because so many volunteers and organizations come together and offer their services and gifts.

   This year we were particularly blessed by Prince Amukamara,  cornerback for the Chicago Bears, and his Others foundation.

   He was so happy to donate 80 turkeys to our Cornerstone Food Pantry, so our low-income families could have a nice Thanksgiving.  Prince, himself, was not able to participate because he had to practice for the Bears game with the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving day. (By the way, they won 24-20.)

   But his wife, Pilar, was happy to come and help pass out the turkeys.  And Lisa Hahner, the executive director for the Others foundation,  was also happy to attend.

   I got a chance to chat with Lisa for a few moments, and she was generous with her down-to-earth insights on the philosophy of their foundation, and the whole motivation  behind the idea of “giving back” by  professional athletes.

   Lisa said that so much good can be accomplished by simply writing a check.  She said that working with Prince and his wife Pilar has been such a joy because they are so eager to help out the less fortunate… especially during the holidays.  She said  Prince put it this way: “Hey, whether you’re rich or poor we’re all the same, we just want to have a nice meal with our families.  And if I can help out a few folks to make that meal a reality, then I’m in.”

   The mission statement for the Others foundation is “Whatever gift you have, use it for others.”

   And on Thanksgiving day , we were blessed with so many volunteers from a South-side Church and Fight to Feed, an organization fighting hunger in Chicago.

   And I was blessed to have my son, Christopher, and his son, Aaron, come to help out serve our guests.  The two of them made a great team, serving with joy.

   And so for those that have eyes to see, and ears to hear, we at CCO, staff, volunteers, and everyone got to experience a little more of what Jesus meant when he said, “It’s more blessed to give than receive.”

   And that’s what Prince, Pilar, and Lisa mean when they say, “Life should be about others.”

Thanks for stopping by.  

11/27/2019

HIS ADVICE: “Don’t hide under an umbrella!”

I’m pleased to introduce to you, Alex from Romania.  He came to Chicago about 30 years ago, when his native country was under communist rule.  And because of this fact, he tells me that even with all the problems that the United States has… it’s still the best place to live by far.  “I really appreciate my freedom,” he says.

For about 25 years he was employed by the Salvation Army, as the assistant to their ministry officers’ team.  He told me that he really enjoyed sharing his faith during those years, particularly in nursing homes.  

“And how would describe your relationship with God now?”  I asked.  

“Oh, I feel him every day,” he said.  “He guides me all the time, and I’m still serving him on a daily basis.  Sometimes I run into some of my old friends from the Salvation Army, and we just give each other a big hug. ”

Our conversation then turned towards his thoughts on God’s provision.  “You know, God wants to shower his blessings down on us, but many times we kind of hide under an umbrella,” he said with a twinkle in his eye.  

“Oh, really,” I reacted, not quite sure what he was getting at.  “Could you explain a little more just what you mean by that?”

“Sure,” he said. “You see, many times we simply refuse to prepare for the blessings. We refuse to be thankful during our “hard times,” and so we’re not ready or appreciative of the good things he does send our way.”  

At this time in his life (the past five years) Alex told me that he’s going through a lot of physical health issues including brain surgery, kidney transplant, strokes, and blood clotting.  Still, he tells me this with a smile on his face.  

“I’ve just  learned to accept my life however it goes,” he says.  “I’ve just learned not to get discouraged, and to surround myself with positive things… and to get away from the negative things and people in life.”

Although I had noticed Alex before at our soup kitchen and pantry, I had never sat down to talk with him like this.  There was just something “special” about how God had brought us together on a recent Sat. afternoon.  And I told him that I was so blessed just getting to hear his story, and him allowing me to share it with my readers.  (Indeed, I was so blessed that I had nervously extended my out-stretched my hand to him a few times during our conversation.)  

Alex just smiled and shook my hand a final time and said, “Yeah, I never expected to talk with you today either… and shake your hand four times!”    

Thanks for stopping by.  

11/11/2019

SHE’S GOT ONE WORD FOR US: “HALLELUJAH”

This wonderful lady, Huyen Nguyen, has been a kind-hearted soul towards Cornerstone for many years. She tells me that she appreciates so much all the food she receives from our food pantry and soup kitchen.

She came to Chicago in 1995, and has lived here ever since. She says she has some family back in Vietnam, but that she has only been back to visit once since she arrived in Chicago.

Huyen does not speak much English, so it is not easy to communicate with her. But her smile and her sincerity spoke volumes. And when I asked her about her faith, her first response was to raise her hands and unashamedly proclaim, “Hallelujah!”

She then showed me pictures of her with her church choir.

Now most of us have heard the word, Hallelujah, before. It’s meaning being, “Praise (ye) the Lord---used to express praise, joy, or thanks.”

And many of us will be familiar with Handel’s Messiah. And particularly the “Hallelujah Chorus” when the King of Kings and Lord of Lords finally gets his due. The lyrics soar when any choir sings, “And He shall reign forever and ever Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Halle-lu-jah!”

And as we look into God’s word (Revelation 19:1-9) we discover that there is a “great multitude in heaven” who are rejoicing so exuberantly that they include three “Hallelujahs!” in the space of nine verses!

And why is this multitude so radiant with praise and thanksgiving? It’s because what they’ve waited for for so long has now come to pass. “For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. (Rev. 19: 6b-7)

And I’d like to make just one, simple observation. It seems to me that this sister has no problem with getting a “head start” on the multitudes.

And why is this? It seems she already knows her “Jesus” is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And because of this assurance, she does not hesitate to express her thanks to her Lord… right now, right here on earth.

The only question is, “Are we joining in with her… now?” If we are not, maybe we ought to ask ourselves, what’s holding us back?

Hallelujah!

Thanks for stopping by. 

11/5/2019

A CLASH OF CULTURES…OR THE LANGUAGE OF HEAD-GEAR?

Hello all my Jesus in the Least friends. Here is a poem by my late friend Curt Mortimer, who went home to be with Jesus in November 2016.

Check out his poem which paints a beautiful picture of how the  “interaction” between the cultures of Uptown, Chicago CAN go.

THE HAT

B y Curt Mortimer

My hat and me was simply

Walking down Wilson Avenue

Minding my own business

When my hat said…

Well, now you gotta know

My hat ain’t got no mouth

So it looked like I said

Cause it was movin my lips , you see

Well it said… Aaah…I said

Howdy Pardner

To a big brother

With a dew rag

Sup, he said

What is sup? asked the hat

Hangin, said the dew rag

Hanging who

Wha’d the cowpoke do?, The hat

Ain’t no cows in Uptown, man, said dew

Ain’t no trees either, pardner, said the hat

How yagonna hang the outlaw?

We’all is gangstas, said dew

You want a death play,

We got a way

Just stand on down there on the corner

And then I grabbed my hat

Wait, wait, I said

This thing is gonna get me dead

My friend, I’m sure you see

That I don’t wear the hat,

The hat wears me.

Yo man, said the brother

I got the same kind of bother

Every time I doff my dew

You know what I’m sayin?

I feel like a gang banger

Out lookin for danger

Ah’m just a nice young homie

That loves ta write poetry

I knew, says I, I knew

By that “doff my dew” line

Fine poetry

So off we went

Up there on Broadway

To the Chicago Coffee House

Poetry slam

Just across from Blockbuster

Ah-ite, said my brother

All right , said I.

This poem was reprinted from Curt Mortimer’s collection of poetry entitled, Mudblood. Copyright 2010.

10/28/2019

HE’S GOT SOME WORDS OF WISDOM FOR US ALL!

Here’s my friend, Dawson Keyes.  Many of our staff members at CCO and members of our JPUSA community have known Dawson for about ten years.  He’s stayed at our shelter and our place for seniors, Friendly Towers.  “God has used you guys (CCO and JPUSA) in so many ways throughout these last few years of my life,” he said.  “You’ve literally helped me to hang in there.”

He told me that he’s had so many health issues to face including various surgeries and cataracts.   “We’re all getting older,” he said. “And we’ve got to take care of ourselves.  But I also know that God’s not done with me yet.”

I then asked Dawson what is his advice to those still living in shelters.  Like how should they face each day?  He thought for a moment then he offered his “words of wisdom.”

“First of all, when you wake up, “Thank God,” he said.  “Then after that do something positive for yourself, like connect with as many folks as you can that can help you.  Like seeing folks, and getting on waiting lists for housing.”

And then there was a final word of encouragement, which had the “ring of truth” for us all.  “And if you can’t do anything else, well then, just simply be kind to someone.  For God will be doing his work, but you’ve got to trust and have faith, and you’ve got to do your work, too.”

Thanks, Dawson.  And I thank God for friends like Dawson… for they help me to see a little more of Jesus at work in our world.