A God Story 7-4-13

A God Story

by: UBFM Member

Homeless. We indeed tend to attribute this word to our friends on the streets. The definition: without a home or permanent residence. Although most of our friends do not in fact have a permanent residence, nor your typical environment one might call a home, some of our friends prefer to be where they are. Homeless has been used in such a derogatory way; from the media, to the government, to local authorities, to individuals across the world. The stigma surrounding our friends over the years, have been about danger, crime, trash, and a waste to society. Our friends are human beings, men and women who are who they choose to be, who are where they want to be, who are where they think they ought to be, who are where they are for whatever reason. They have a name and a story. Don’t we all?

How do we define our homes? Is it by bricks, stone, or wood? Is there a kitchen or a bed? Is there a friend, a wife, a husband, children, or pets? Are you alone? If you were to take something out of the equation, would it shake your home? Would it tear it down altogether? I think we have all felt homeless at one point in our lives. We have built foundations and structures that have been demolished. How much would it take not to want to rebuild? How much would it take to just want to disappear? When that happens, at the end of the day, there isn’t anything that could ever tumble down again. Caring is just too much of a struggle, that you would rather go hungry. . Let’s face it, if you can’t get out of bed long enough, someone will eventually come and take that bed away.

The beauty of UBFM is that we make our friend’s home a little more welcoming. There is hope in friendship and a non-judgmental attitude. I believe we have the power to restore something in broken individuals, to at least share an inkling of security and trust, much of what our own homes are made of. Our burritos and our hands can create a foundation of faith for what has fallen victim to whatever misfortune, pain, or choice one has had to endure. We can't impose our own views of salvation on anyone. We can only teach, support, and love. We give them more opportunities, more choices. Then we love them regardless of the choices they make.

They are either strangers or friends. I don’t have a stamp with Homeless. engraved on it; it is not a title. But I do have my own Home-less scars, which fuels my compassion to make Memphis a more welcoming home for our friends.

UBFM has the potential to be a home. 

A God Story

Over the past couple of months that I have been riding with UBFM, I have encountered many new friends living on the streets of Memphis. My first connection was with a lady named Johnny May. She was hesitant at first when I approached her with a smile and a dinner proposal, but once the actual exchange of my hands being emptied and her hands being filled, the whole conversation changed; a warmer face appeared, softened by an inkling of trust and appreciation. One step further, when she realized there was no catch or long speech attached, she politely suggested, “A young lady shouldn’t be out here in this part of town alone. It’s dangerous.” I pointed to some other members riding with me that night, who were a little ways down the road, explaining that we all ride together. She retorted, “Well, you make sure they take care of you. God bless.”

Although short and sweet, this experience stays with me. When you care, a stranger can care right on back. I don’t know if Johnny May was homeless, but I do know she was alone and hungry. She didn’t know me, but that night she saw a young girl, riding a bike at ten o’clock at night, alone, on the streets of Memphis, caring that she was hungry.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. –Colossians 3:12

Last night, I met a new friend named Frank. He is a sixty-two-year-old veteran, taking care of his grandchildren, who are now grown. He was afraid to take anything from us at first because he has been arrested in the past for asking for food. When we assured him we wouldn’t let that happen, he happily took in some dinner and began to share with us a little about himself.

“We all slip and fall. And that’s okay, because at the end of the day, we are all just alright. God is good. We are alright.”

He went on to commend our bravery for being on the dangerous streets of Memphis, sharing God’s love with those less fortunate. We are all indeed the children of God, all loved equally. I hope I get to see Frank again. Frank reminded me of this literary gem from, The Prophet, that I have held close for a long time. It’s a small portion of the actual book, but grand in what UBFM stands for.

“You are the bows from which your children
as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,
and He bends you with His might
that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer’s hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
so He loves also the bow that is stable.”

-A UBFM Member

A God Story

Another God Story from a UBFM member:

I think we have as many reasons for participating in UBFM as there are riders; probably more, because I definitely have more than one.  One is definitely all the awesome friends I’ve made among the riders.  I wanted to take the chance to write a little about the reason I wanted to be a part of this when I heard about it (before I knew about the cool people), and my main purpose in continuing to participate.

Something Tommy said in his post last Wednesday really made an impression on me and inspired me to write this:

“It is a fact that we are not going to cure the hunger or homeless problem in our city. We are doing very little to help it. To be honest, that is not our focus. Our focus is to offer hope to people who have lost it.”

While I absolutely think feeding the poor/homeless is important, I’m under no illusion that giving someone a burrito and a moon pie is going to have a lasting effect on their life.  We can show them that there are people out there who care enough to take an evening and bring them some food when they’re hungry or a jacket when they’re cold. The fact is tomorrow will come and that will be overshadowed by the reality of all those who drive past and look at them as failures, and those who avoid them as they walk through the parking lot to their cars.

However, God has given them the gift of his son Jesus—a gift that is infinitely valuable.  What I can do is show them the love that Jesus has shown me and point to the hope that I have:

In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  1 John 4:10

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.   1 Peter 1:3-4

My transgressions against God are paid for and my punishment is borne by his death.  The ability to live this life and to have the joy of spending eternity with a perfect, awe-inspiring God are won by the fact the God raised Him from the dead.  That’s a hope that transcends the difficulties of poverty and defies the instability of our temporary situation.  It’s a hope they can have because of what Jesus has done. 

The reality is so many people who are seen as successful are not actually doing what they were created to do. 

He [Jesus] died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.  Colossians 1:15

Our friends living on the street can actually live fulfilled lives knowing they are doing exactly what they were created for.  In fact they may be better able to do it than those who seem more privileged at first glance.  Jesus, who was the perfect example of what a person should be, spent a lot of his life without a home:

And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head."  Matthew 8:20

The great thing about UBFM is that actions so often speak louder than words.  I am thankful for the opportunity to show people that I (and someone who is a lot bigger and more important than me) really care about them.  For my part I also want to share with them the hope and joy I have in God.  How I can do that in the 30 second conversations I have with them as I hand them a burrito I’m not sure, but I know even small actions can make an eternal difference.   I’m also going to try to be more open to those who may need a little more of my time and let whoever I’m with ride on without me and help others.

Today I’m praying that all these I see who have had to endure much more hardship than I have, will be able to say:

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.”  2 Corinthians 4:7-10

I’m excited for tonight!

-Isaac

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.   Romans 15:13

4-10-13

Wednesday night was great!

Thank you to Frank Rouse, Heather Rouse, Olivia Rouse, and Jeff Sobocinski for showing up early and helping prep. Jeff is recovering quickly and rode with us this week! And again, as always, thank you to Angela Williford Conley and Emily Hendrix Conley for their continued donations. There were a lot of people out and we ran out of burritos so quickly! Despite the grim outlook with the storms and all rolling in towards the end of our night, I rather enjoyed riding in the pre-storm weather. Some of that lightning was ridiculous and beautiful! Luckily, we all made it back before the storm started and were able to enjoy it safely fromTommy Clark's porch, where we spent the rest of the night listening to Frank Fournier's crazy Detroit stories… I wont go into details. 

I had the privilege of meeting Eryin Sauer Tornabene at the Tiger Lane Crit races where her son Dylan Vance won second place in Cat 5. She is such a wonderful person, as is her son. She insists that we let her know of any supply needs we have and would love to support in any way possible. I told her that we could use a regular supply of tortillas and cheese! So, I will be getting in touch with her to work that out :)

Couldn’t have had such a successful night without our fearless riders: Matt Nason, Isaac Wade, Anders Goranson, Owen Harris,Ellis Rasmussen, and Rachael Osteen as well as a few others! We also appreciated the SAG support provided by Rick Prince. Thank you everyone for all you do and God Bless!

Unless you change and become like little children...

A few weekends ago I was invited to come and speak to a children's group at The Love of Christ Church in Memphis. It seems they were doing a study on missionaries; a different type of missionary each Sunday in March. They wanted a local individual to speak so I was contacted. Now, never have I been referred to as a “missionary” but if I guess if I’m doing missional work, even if it be local, one might refer to me as a “missionary”. (Just to clarify, that would mean anyone who is involved in Urban Bicycle Food Ministry is a “missionary” as well.)

Moving on, when I was asked to speak to the group I was filled with honor. I was informed that I would be speaking to two separate groups, one from early worship and one from the later. Both groups would be anywhere from 4-11 years old. I can’t say I wasn’t nervous. I had no idea what I would be up against or how they would respond. I tried to keep my address exciting, fun, and short. If these kids had an attention span close to my own it would need to be no longer than a minute. I pushed my limits and tried to keep it within ten.

When I arrived at the church everyone was warm, welcoming, and very interested in UBFM. Apparently they knew the key to my heart because they had coffee and donuts waiting. Coffee and donuts before Sunday worship is nostalgic. If they had taken me to Shoney’s breakfast bar after church I might have joined…

When worship began the children’s church leader, the kids, and myself sat near together. After the second song we all moved to a classroom. When we were settled I was introduced and given the floor. It was great! The children of this church are involved and excited about God’s work. Upon completing my address the kids presented a gift to me. Apparently they knew a little about UBFM before I arrived. They decorated small containers with Bible verses, rode bikes around their neighborhoods, and collected money for our ministry. Yeah, I know, I too was nearly in tears.

In the book of Matthew, chapter 18, verse 3 Jesus says, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." I was reminded of this verse when I visited the class at TLC. Sometimes we forget what its like to be like children. Think about it--most children want to love and be happy. It takes very little to satisfy them and they find interest in the smallest things. Love is everywhere for children and they find joy in sharing it. 

There is so much we can learn from kids. I was very blessed to be presented with the opportunity to visit this church. I pray that God will shower them and their children’s group with many blessings.

Peace

A God Story to Share

A God Story

by: UBFM Member

I am most passionate about my son growing up loving who he is. I want him to know that God created him in such a unique way and at such a unique time, that he can do all things. Today, I am active and self-sustaining, with one of the greatest titles of all: Mom. I am so very thankful and hope my experience can one day inspire him as much as he has already inspired me.

I thank my God every time I remember you.                                                                                                     Philippians 1:3

When I was eighteen and in the middle of my one and only semester of college, I naively left home due to a disagreement between my father and myself. I refused to conform to an arranged life and religion, much like any rebellious and heard-headed kid might experience, but in the end my heart was broken. I felt banished, alone, and very much ready to completely let go of eighteen years. I was not meant to return home, nor to college, so instead, I became quite the waif, couch surfing, discovering new faces, new ways of living, and new ends to new worlds. Between 2008 and 2011, I had lived in and escaped from four different states and eighteen living arrangements. The void still remained as “home.” Always between jobs, I encountered new drama in every move, within each family, roommate, friend, friend of friends, and stranger I found myself living with. After years of feeling lost and alone, abusing myself, neglecting whatever grace and integrity I had left, a new chapter in my life began when I found out I was going to be a mother.

After what seemed like a lifetime away, my family and I reconnected. It is almost as if my parents and I were finally alike, on the same page. We had something in common now and that was the love for our children. It indeed brought us closer than we have ever been. This life gave me purpose, meaning, and love. Because of my son, who saved my life, and became the roots to keep me planted, growing, and prospering, I walked a path that brought me back to grace, and opened my eyes to individuals who live for the glory of God, who are good, and who share their love with a world that always has the potential to stay bright on the darkest day. There was a time when I felt let down and abandoned by what I thought God represented. He is the Father I thought I was fighting for my independence from, that I was fleeing from, and how I felt so rejected by. I opened my arms to my son on January 31, 2012. My parents opened their arms to me not long before as if there was never any gap in time. And God’s arms were always open; waiting for me to understand the kind of love He has for all of His children.