It is getting harder and harder to sit on my hands.  I feel so overwhelmed by the needs:
-the homeless
-the fatherless
-the underpaid
-the sick
-the unwanted
-the hungry
-the cold
Reality is to make a difference, we need God, People, Money.  If we have those things, we are ready to go in and defend the weak, needy, hungry and lonely.  I personally think,  above all else, the one who is unwanted must be in greatest need.  It's not fun being the one some are very embarrassed to admit they know - yuck.  But then the hungry hits me in the heart.  Cannot imagine being so hungry that to get through the day, my mom serves me a hot tea to quiet my hunger pains. 

Yesterday, I had a blast.  I went into the State women's prison with a mission group called Pro-Claim.    The first friend I made had come to serve alone - FROM MISSISSIPPI.  I told her she should get a present for the furthest person to travel.  I was floored by this. 

  We were both alone and I grabbed on to her.  I told the woman doing all the registration, "put me with HER" (my new friend).    I just saw a picture on social media of all counselors being told the rules before we go in the prison.  All faces are forward and listening to instruction while my own face is turned toward my new friend.  She shared with me how she had once been incarcerated.  I asked about 100 questions.  I was talking to a work of God.  It was so amazing.  She and I laughed and talked with tear filled eyes over what we were experiencing.  I was so comfortable being me that I ended up sort of teasing my new friend because she would get so emotional over every beautiful, glorious moment.  I spent 12 hours basically with my new friend. 

We went into the prison and met countless guards and inmates.  It is hard to explain, but we all "meshed".  There is something about having no purse, cell phone, earrings or anything that makes a statement of what class we are in. The guards treated us very kind and while following all rules, still made us feel like we count.  I never felt like anyone thought we looked foolish.   We were all women, mamas, daughters, with hearts that ache over our guilt and shame. 

I shared tears with a woman who has a 4th grade education.  I shared tears with someone in constant agony over her past with demonic issues.  I listened.  I didn't approach anyone without simply getting to know them.  When we stop fake altogether and just look into someone's eyes and listen - we stop judging real quick.  We start learning.  We begin to see why Christ wanted us to care. 

It didn't take long for God to put a finale - God sized - on my day.  One of my new friends was a counselor too.  She and her grandmother came together.  They are from the Austin area and we simply connected.  In fact, I will be in touch and want her grandma to be my own.  You know how it goes, all a trip- a really special trip.  I told this new friend how Jen Hatmaker is inspiring me more than anyone I think ever has.  This girl sort of freaked out in awe and said, "It's no coincidence you and I just met - I do her daughter's hair"

I'm trying to wait at least 24 hours before I email my new friends.  I made it clear they are stuck with me.  They are. 

On to the book....7, Jen Hatmaker  reminds us of what Christ taught:

The least shall be the greatest.
Blessed are the meek
Humble yourself like a child.
Sell all your things and give to the poor.
Don't gain the world only to forfeit your soul.

I want to simply say that today, very few - (I even mean some in the church) will actuallysupport living as Christ taught us.  Several comments will hurt, to be honest as you share your commitments to take on issues of injustice - especially if it means literally taking on - not just writing a check.

I cannot think of a better ending to my attempt at a blog, book club, and weekend than to quote what Christ said was living the life of a true follower than this:

"Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.  For I was hungry, and you fed me.  I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink.  I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.  I was naked, and you gave me clothing.  I was sick, and you cared for me.  I was in prison, and you visited me"