Being God's Image Bearers

I have watched both Conventions this week and without getting into politics, I want to think about things from a biblical view. Of ALL the rhetoric these past two weeks, a 9-11 survior, businesswoman, wife and mother said it all in her speech last night at the DNC. I have followed her story since 9-11, read her book and seen her overcome A LOT!! I don't know her faith journey, but I know her words were right out of the Bible. Last night, on a completely different subject from politics , Lauren reminded me that as follower of Christ, we MUST show up when people are in crisis and walk beside them. It is not enough to "Wish someone well and then go on your merry way" when they are hurting but you must invest in their healing. That is the way of Jesus.

"During the darkest of days and hardest of nights, the people who show up in your life mean everything". Lauren Manning, 9-11 survivor 

 

Deuteronomy 15:11 "For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land".

Matthew 25-37-44 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
“Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’“Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’ “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’

Juy 25th, 2015 Rest In Peace Nina Parker

I meant to re-post this from Facebook as I am keeping a record of some special Graffiti friends who have died this past year....

Nina Parker was one of the first ladies I met when I moved to NYC in1985. She was one of the long term volunteers who knew everyone on the block and showed me the ropes. She made sure everyone on the block took care of me when I lived on the block. She taught me a lot over the last 30 years and I am so very privileged to have known her and called her friend.
Today, she crossed over into heaven and I know she is up there telling Jesus what HE needs to be doing and who He needs to help. Probably sorting clothes and drinking coffee too!!! Love you Nina and I am so glad I got to share a part of life with you!!! REST IN PEACE!

Frank Razzano- A Person I Will Never Forget

Another friend from Graffiti died on July 4th.

Frank Razzano was one of those people whom you don't forget. I met Frank when he was homeless back in 1985 and a volunteer at Graffiti. He was both annoying and intriguing at the same time. He had both deep insight and a tough spirit of survival. You either loved or hated Frank. He always had interesting outlooks on life.

He moved south in the early 2000's and ended up in GA. He found me on Facebook about 2 years ago and we had had some conversations over the years. He struggled with life but he loved God in his own way. He was always trying to get others to get help while neglecting himself. We didn't get to see each other these last two years but kept in touch. He would message me from time to time a message of encouragement. A few months ago,he reminded me how he thought I was really naive when I moved to NYC( I was) and he didn't think I would last. He said " you surprised me on how quickly you became a New Yorker and I knew you were okay then". 

I heard last night that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last October. He was one of the most faithful people I know in BELIEVING that Jesus would heal him. And Jesus did....He answered Franks prayers on July 4, 2016 and took him home where he is now whole and healed. It was quite appropriate that he died on July 4th...for it was truly an INDEPENDENCE day for Frank.

Revelation 21:4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”