Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are. -1 Cor. 1:26-28
We were trying to have a prayer meeting but no one seemed to be able to muster up any requests. So we did what happens at most prayer meetings talk more to each other than to God. So...God shuffled in.
He came in the person of Gary.
You can see him meandering around the neighborhood with his funky leather hat and shabby clothes that hang off him like a windless flag hugs it's pole. Near toothless like most people around here and the ones he has seem like they are not worth having either, more trouble than any good. It seems we have acid in our water and everyone is eating black licorice by the looks of it.
Gary has grown old in the hard living sense, more has been done to him in his days than mere living should produce. You can see it carved into his withering skin. He made his way right to the table next to his pastor and stood there in an awkward way. The kind of intrusion that everyone feels but doesn't quite know what to say or do.
He talked, made a few jokes, greeted the people he knew and just stood there...like something was expected to happen but know one knew what. Affection was clearly evident in is interaction with his pastor, both in his warm proximity and in the eyes and smile of the one who obviously shepherds him with gentle care.
"We are going to have a prayer time Gary, so if you want to join go ahead and have a seat" said his pastor.
"Oh no, I got to get...got stuff to do." Gary said with out apology. "But I got something for you" he said, as he rustled through his countless bulging pockets.He pulled out his wallet and handed the pastor a handful of crumpled bills. “How much is there pastor” he said. “Oh about seven dollars” he replied. “Well there will be more on Sunday, I had to borrow a few.” Gary explained. He then said his goodbyes and made his way out.
The exchange has lingered on me like perfume hangs in the air long after the wearer has gone. The whole moment reminds me of a line in my favorite song “Thunder on the mountain” off of Bob Dylan’s c.d. “Modern Times”.
“Gonna raise me an army, some tough sons of b*tches
I'll recruit my army from the orphanages
I been to St. Herman's church, said my religious vows
I've sucked the milk out of a thousand cows’
I want an army of Gary’s born out of the hell of life...they seem to understand what is important in life. Herman’s Church produces a lot of vows and offers a lot of sacred cow teats to suck from but rarely do you see such powerful generosity expressed. True sacrifice and love being expressed not out of abundance but out of lack. On a fixed income...7 bucks is gold and so was Gary...pure and undefiled indeed.
2 comments:
This is another great post. There are a thousand men just like Gary, most come to Christ in Rescue missions or Salvation Armies.
I did get a little confused, is this is a story from another church or your church?
Anyway, it is a vivid picture of our countries poorest of the poor.
It was at another church down the street, a different pastor than I.
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