Grateful

Today was one of those days where I found myself in awe of God. It started out with a great sense of focus on stop the violence preparation but as a result of a phone call, my day quickly changed. Today I had the privilege to sit across a round table from an active gang member in our city. The moment didn't start out that way, I was sitting at the table surrounded by several people. Instantly the young man asked everyone else to leave the room except me.

Instantly I thought, here it goes, he must know who I am. He must know who and what I represent. He must know about my activism against violence. As the door shut, and he walked back to the table, all my random thoughts ceased as a result of the words that quivered off his lips. Just two short days ago a fellow brother of his lost his life to his very own hand, he committed suicide. Broken the gang banger listened to me share my story that I too had been in the very same situation when I was his age. That I too ran the streets, mistreated a whole lot of people, and tried all I could to stir up chaos. But at the very age he was, I chose to live my life differently and that he too could as well. With tears in his eyes, he gave me a hug, stuck my number in his pocket and walked away saying "you will be hearing from me soon."


Grateful, is the one word that I could speak after my encounter with my new friend.

Grateful for my salvation and transformation that came only as a result of the death, burial, and resurrection power of my Savior.

Grateful  I had made a new friend.

Grateful another name was added to list of names of those i pray for daily.

Grateful that I may not be who I am suppose to be, but thank God I am not who I use to be.

Live to Love.
C