From The Cheap Seats

Battered and Bruised

Have you ever read a book that everytime you put it down you feel battered and bruised. Most of the time I read the Bible I leave that way but there are times where I feel extremely encouraged and refreshed. I have been reading a book recomended by a friend. This book she told me was not a light read and that it had begun to change her life. (Which almost ever pastor had heard before no offense Kristie) So i picked it up at the local Barnes and Nobles along with a Venti Nonfat Iced Mocah Latte. (Don't say anything Phil) With ever book I pick up I read the back and the recommendations to see if anyone I like has recommended the book. Almost every person said the same thing "don't pick it up unless you are ready to have your life changed." So I picked it up.
I am only maybe a quater of the way through the book and I have been challenged the entire way through. It has been amazing to hear the journey of this author as he lives with the homeless , lives with the lepors, and hangs out with Mother Thresa (Momma T) as he calls her in the book.

The last couple of weeks there has been the conversation with other bloggers and people in my life about the poorest of the poor and what we are doing to change things...I felt so overwhelmed yet so angry at myself for not having picked up on this idea soon. I have noticed something through this book. The author did not just go for everything, he took steps, steps that grew his ability to relate to the people he was reaching. Not that it was comfortable or safe by any means but it seems that he took steps to meet the homeless, to share love and hope with them and to be Jesus to them. I've learned a lot about how there is not someone that I'm better than but rather I'm just as in need of there love and joy as they need to be loved.

So my friends if you are up for the challenge of loving the least, the last and the lost...take the first step of meeting them and find a place where you can volunteer to help. soup kitchen, shelter, clothing drive, a battered women's shelter, or have a meal for the homeless, but take the first step to meet them. And if you want to read a book that will change your life i mean really change your life and leave you a bit battered and bruised pick up Shane Claiborne's The Irresistible Revolution

Anyone have any ideas other than what i've shared on how to take the first steps or organizations that we can get involved???

posted by Micah Dormann @ 11:36 AM 4 comments

To My Friend

So it's been about a week since my friend was unjustly let go from his job...I'm not going into details but this is for him...I just want him to know that He is a great man after God's own heart..>I don't know how else to help him other than to say You are a hero thanks for not holding bitterness thanks for standing up for the Father even when the church doesn't seem to be doing His will...thanks for not running away when things got hard...I know this may not make sense to a lot of you but if you know my friend I encourage you to let him know how important he is to you.

Thanks for being the encouraging one to me while i was a heretic in theology class...You're my hero and you'll always be a great friend! I pray that God will lead you to advance the kingdom more than you would have ever expected!

Thanks for being a great friend!

posted by Micah Dormann @ 4:14 PM 1 comments