I grew-up in a multiethnic neighborhood in Northern California. When I was sixteen I went to a church camp; at that camp I become a Christian. The day we arrived back from camp I walked home (I was living with my older brother) and saw some yellow “crime scene” tape on the front door. So I called my mom and she told me my brother was back in prison.
I was homeless, so I had to move back home, which meant a lot of chaos as my step-dad would abuse my mom then I would kick my step dad’s arse on a weekly basis. He was a pro boxer & truck-drive type, so I’m glad he was always drunk. I almost went to jail when I threw him through a window…He tried to press charges but the police officer was cool…But I digress!
I arrived home and I told my mom that I became a Christ-follower. My step-dad overheard and got pissed and kicked me out. He refused to let a Christian live in his home. This Jesus thing was not looking good at the moment.
So I was homeless again…
I called my friend and told him the news. This is the same friend who took me to this camp. His mom got on the phone and asked me if I wanted to live with them. They lived in a two bedroom townhouse and they were not wealthy, it was a sacrifice. Three of us roomed together. My only other option was some friends or my sisters, they were all drug dealers so in my amazing wisdom I accepted the invitation to live with my friends family!
That night I had a new home, a new “black/filipino” family, structure and love. For God’s sake they would always HUG ME-which drove me insane, I don’t like hugs PEOPLE!
So today I have two thoughts:
1. Normal people can do normal things and make a huge impact. If we are willing to sacrifice and serve we can change lives.
2. The fact that America has a black President is amazing and I’m really excited. All politics aside this is a good thing for our country, and our world. It’s hard to describe the meaning of this week. I look back to all the conversations I had with so many of my “black” friends. So I’m very excited for them to see and experience this moment and this week!
