111707

Just when I think I can sit and wallow in self-pity for even 5 more minutes, I get a good strong dose of reality from the world around me. Today, I learned that one of my homeless friends from "the Refuge" was shot and killed this past week. We don't know the details of the shooting, but we do know he loved and was committed to the Lord, praise God! Please pray for his family to be okay and to have the peace that only comes from Jesus Christ. And if that wasn't enough to kick me out of my self-pitying mode, the pastor tonight spoke of giving thanks in everything! This particular pastor was burned over 88% of his body at the age of 2 and is a living testament to the miracles that God performs every single day! So...

My dearest Father in heaven,
Thank You for my life. Thank you for this depression. I don't know why or understand what purpose there is for it, but I do know and believe You are in control and I know that one day I will understand what the purpose was. Thank You for the chance to get to know and love Bubba, my life is better for it. I ask that You fill his family with Your peace and You give them the strength to keep going in their grief. I ask that You watch over my friend Nena and her mom and if it's time for her mom to come home that You give Nena and her family the same peace You give to each of us when we cry out to You. Thank You for allowing me the opportunity to minister to the folks at "the Refuge", for giving me the words to say when I have no words of my own. Thank You for loving me despite all my complaining and self-pity. I know that somehow this sadness will pass and I am thankful that now I don't have to walk through these valleys alone. I am thankful because I will never be alone again! I love You! I thank You! I praise You! I adore You! I worship You!