Monday, November 3, 2008

Seeking God in the Inner City on Sunday (1)

3:55 PM by Christi Bowman

On Tuesday night, of last week, I decided I would not be going back for at least a while. God quickly filled the time slot. I was in the shower, feeling sorry for myself, and He said:

"Find me...somewhere else."

He brought to mind James 1:27 (MSG).

Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight...

He reminded me of the love I feel when I look into the eyes of the homeless as I roll down my window to give them change while driving down Cicero towards "The Bridge" on Tuesday nights. I never want to continue driving. I want to get out of my car and hear their stories...but we never have the time. I was to go to the city, alone, this Sunday morning, but not to the safe and glitzy magnificent mile...no, I was to go deeper...I was to take the "EL" to Cicero and touch and talk with the people there.

I would be lying if I told you I wasn't scared. I confessed that to my husband on Saturday night. Although I am an introvert, I don't like to do things alone...I am a follower...I like to be led. I woke up early and arrived at my local train station. On the way into the city I told God that I would be alright with staying near Union Station if there were homeless people to spend time with there. There were not. A police officer approached me as I stood alone on a busy city street, I guess I looked confused. He asked me if I needed help. I gulped, and with nothing better to say I told him I was looking for the 'pink line'.

He told me it was three blocks south and I began to walk. I kept reminding God that I was willing to stay right here...in this safe area of Chicago. I begged Him for a person to engage. With no luck and heavy feet I climbed the stairs to the "EL".

I got my instructions and boarded my train. The train went deeper and deeper into the city and the neighborhoods looked more and more foreboding. I was getting scared. I was very aware that I was alone and very much the minority. I looked out of my window and I saw Joshua 1:9 (NLT) painted on the slanted roof of a building:

This is my command-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

I was sure He painted that just for me.

The train came to a sudden halt...it was my turn to get off...alone. I walked out of the run down terminal, and onto the dirty streets of Cicero. I remember being appalled by the filthy streets of Manzini, Swaziland, but the streets of Cicero were no better. I started to walk down the street, but was told to go no further. I turned back, not knowing what to do, and I spotted an open Dunkin Donuts. For lack of anything better to do I walked in and bought a coffee; and I met the ONE person God wanted to love through me that morning.

(Continued)

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