Pay it forward

A year and 7 months ago, I posted on my blog about helping Brenner a homeless man that I had reached out to for over 13 years get off the street. Sunday, I met another guy that was ready to get off the street, guess who I called to help me get this guy off the street? No other than Brenner, because he knows exactly what it is like to undergo the transition. For all those that think that there is no hope for the homeless, this picture proves that there are some out on the streets that need more than a handout they need a hand up. How beautiful it is to see Brenner help his new friend take the proper steps to get off the streets...Can we say PAY IT FORWARD? 

Always remember just because you run across some people that are just wanting to make a quick dollar on the street corner, there are those that really don't want to be out there that call the city streets their home.

                                                  (Brenner is featured on the Left)

Posted by CHAD MITCHELL at Saturday, January 28, 2012 No comments:
Unlocking the Door

Featured in the picture to the left is Brenner, my homeless friend that I have worked with for over 13 years, opening the door of his home for the first time. As I reflect back on that day, the more this picture means to me. That day I thought I got to witness Brenner unlock the door to his dreams, but I was wrong. That day I witnessed him unlock the door to both of our dreams. His dream to no longer being homeless, my dream that all people would have a place of refuge. After I had left from his home, he sent me a text I will cherish for the rest of my life. It read... "Hey Chad, I am officially not homeless Thanks to you and our Heavenly Father." What dream are you dreaming not only for yourself, but also for humanity? Make some noise-C

Brake Check

I remember getting in the car with my drivers ed. Instructor for the very first time. I was flooded with nervousness, not because of my instructor but because I noticed brakes at his feet as well. Call it paranoia or simply fear but I remember being so afraid that he would have to use his brakes as I was driving. The older I get the more I realize those brakes still exist in my life, but I have a different driving instructor these days. The Creator of the universe and for some reason that fear still existed, that one day He would have to use His brakes to stop me. Well there is no doubt about it, those brakes have been used. It became so clear to me when my Doctor rolled his stool over to me, looked into my eyes and said, "Chad, if you don't stop and rest you are either going to be in ICU in critical care or you are going to die." For the moment, although those brakes are still be executed, I have learned that at times God has to put His foot on the brakes, so we can truly become better drivers of the vehicle he has given us...our life.

Much Love.
C

You never get over...

Although, I hadn't shared it with anybody until now, today was an extremely difficult day for me. Today was the two year anniversary of my Unkie passing away. I will never forget when he was informed at the hospital that he wasn't going to leave as a result of him having a rare lung disease. I remember the doctor giving him a few options, tears filled his eyes and he looked at me and said, "Chad, what do you think I should do?" Being a preacher for half my life, for the first time I was speechless. I had been in this situation countless times over the years with church members and even family members, but as much as I tried I could not speak a word. Tears continued to fill both our eyes, we prayed and held one another.
I had the honor to stay with him alone one night before he passed. As we watched the rangers together, ever so often he would remove his oxygen mask and tell me a few things he wanted to make sure I would take care of, he made me promise a few things that I have still kept till this day. But more then anything the silence that filled the room spoke to me more then anything. It was at that time the realization that I would no longer receive phone calls from him throughout the week to check on my kids, that call that took place almost ever Wednesday asking me to go to lunch at wherever had the best specials would cease forevermore, he wouldn't see my kids grow up...it was all about to vanish.

Unkie, was different although he worked all his life, he never knew how much money he really had even though it was more then most would acquire in a lifetime. He never owned a home, he always lived in an apartment. Never had his own washer and dryer and before he bought anything he always made sure he was getting the best deal.
I think more then anything he taught me it's not about the financial success one could acquire in this lifetime, it's about what we give to each others soul.
Last night, as my Auntie left my house, still crying over the departure of the love of her life... I realized you never get over saying good bye to those you love, but somehow through God's strength you keep on living, cherishing those things that they poured into your soul.

Still keeping my promises Unkie!

Much Love World,
C

In The End

As I have grown in my faith along with my age I have began to realize the brevity of life. The loss of loved ones, news stories and even the expiration date on a milk jug are constant reminders that everything has an expiration date.

Martin Luther King once said, “In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."

I pray when my death bed arrives, my friends along with the rest of humanity will not remember me by my silence but my willingness to take a stand on behalf of them.

May we all do, all we can to make this world a better place, while we are still living.

Much Love.
C

From Park Bench to Office

In over 15 years of ministry, I will be the first to admit that ministry is a very challenging roller coaster ride. There are those moments that you are holding on to your seat wondering what just happened because ministry is never ending, then there are those moments that bring you joy and enough fuel to make it another day. Yesterday was one of those days that inspired me to continue to believe in the least likely.

I received a text from someone close to me that said:

Well it's official....I am in my office!!! From a park bench to an office! Unbelievable!!!!!! Thank you for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself completely. Love you bro!

As you go about your day, remember some of the most important words you could ever say to someone is I believe in YOU.

Much Love
C

5K

I'm honored and excited to announce that Stop the Violence was able to cut a check for over 5,000 dollars to REGIONAL CRIME VICTIM CRISIS CENTER as a result of the proceeds from our event. I can not thank enough those of you that gave and helped raise money for this years event.

Thank you Regional Crime Victim Crisis Center for all you do. You all are truly an inspiration to all of us.

If a homeless man can stand up, can't you?

 Check out this video of a homeless standing up and making some difference in Dallas Texas...click on the link below

If a homeless can make a difference, Can't you?