Setting Prisoners Free

Today, with love and respect, I want to remember two veterans who passed away in 2016.  Two veterans I was privileged enough to walk and talk with along some rugged terrain. Both men experienced homelessness in Chicago and stayed with us at Cornerstone. Both men were hardworking and loved to help those in need. Both men overcame much adversity...  but are now resting in the Lord's Loving hands! It was an honor to know them both and to call them friends... Rest in Peace Ed...  You are truly missed!  It was an honor and pleasure to see your creativity and to work with you! Thank you. Rest in Peace Frank...  You always challenged me!  Your passion, energy for doing right and your faith was contagious and inspiring!  Thank you.

I have never encountered this problem personally within my family, but it's something I've had to deal with many times over the years. I work at a homeless shelter, and there are times when people come, we develop a strong bond with them, but things get out of control, which causes us to have to make some difficult choices.  Making these hard decisions is never easy or simple. In fact, there are times, when making these decisions feels so heavy, that I've been left feeling drained and unable to sleep. Dealing with this drama will impact the people we love! It will affect us, affect them and affect those around us.  A few years ago I knew this guy named Troy. He was homeless and lived on the streets for years. We got on really well. He was an older guy who loved Jesus and the Bible. But when he would get drunk, he became very loud, aggressive and opinionated. There were times I'd find him sleeping in alleyways and other dangerous places, making me very concer...

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."  I had to memorize this verse and the rest of the beatitudes when I was a child. What they meant to me 25 to 30 years ago, is so different to my understanding today!  What were once "feel good" sayings, are now words of inspiration, of encouragement, of conviction and of challange! These beatitudes, are words, that should embrace every millimeter of our lives, not just snippets of it. These are words that bring the Kingdom of God to earth and in our midst! These are words that should embrace the whole Christian community, not just us as individuals. These beatitudes, are words, that should bring us closer to God, words that inspire us to be more like Jesus and to follow His ways! Jesus embraced all the beatitudes 24/7, with His whole life. These words were lived out, in both word and deed, internally and externally, wherever He went. He brought His Kingdom to ear...

When people come to us to stay in our shelter, they are often in a state of desperation; all are homeless and over 80% percent of our residents are without income! They come seeking hope and answers! When people from the neighborhood come to us for food, clothing and assistance, they are often in need; most are dealing with poverty, food insecurity and limited resources! They come seeking hope and answers! This week, the people who came into our alley, found hope! Hundreds of hungry tummies were filled. Hundreds of tired bones found rest. Hundreds had showers, got toiletries and fresh clothing. Hundreds felt safe, found community and ongoing support! This week, hope reigned, because there were some who were also blessed with keys to their new apartments, symbolizing a long journey of perseverance, through networking, case-working, finances, a whole lot of effort and a ton of love..... Congratulations to Bernard, Cedric, Ali, Tim, Robert, Robyn, Anthony and Greg; for they ...

People often ask me what an average day looks like to me, and to be honest, I always struggle to answer that question. Most days are different! Any hope for routine and structure vanishes quickly almost every day. My chaotic job requires me to always be "on my toes" and be ready to respond with the love of Jesus to whatever or whoever comes my way. Despite any lack of normalcy, I actually like the chaos, I like the variety! Today (Wednesday) built onto an already crazy-filled eclectic week. It was nonstop busy, but great things happened and lives were touched. It was a blessing to have lived it; it was a blessing to see God working. It was also a blessing to see how networking and collaborating together with other people truly helps others successfully move forward.  The day before, I'd ventured out to find certain people and tell them about appointments they all had. This outreach effort paid off! Even though it was raining this morning, they all came except on...

We live in a world full of computers, smart phones and countless signs that beckon our approval and need our attention every minute of every day..... Imagine living in that world, but not being able to read or comprehend what you need to know. Imagine not being able to read or comprehend instructions, texts or emails. Imagine not being able to read or comprehend job applications, housing contracts or the countless forms we need to fill out to help us move forward. There are many people experiencing homelessness who are highly educated, freakishly intelligent, or just have a good ability in being able to read and comprehend whatever is before them. Yet there's another side, a large number of individuals suffer with a crippling reality in today's world; they just can't read, write or comprehend what they see before them!  By noticing this debilitating disability, I am often weighed down by the shame and agony people feel. I have to assist people read and fill o...

It's pretty simple and logical:  If we don't network and collaborate, successful movement quickly becomes stagnant.  If we don't work with others, positive movement and progress won't happen! If we don't come together, those who need protection and encouragement will continue to be victims of people's self-centered motives! We ALL need each other!  We ALL bring different gifts and talents! We ALL have resources and assets we can bring to the table! TOGETHER; good things happen when people unite together and fight for a common cause! I know most of the people who live in Uptown's Tent Cities. I know them well! I know their drama, their struggles, their addictions, their backgrounds and their failures. I also know their faith, their hopes, their dreams, their successes and how they continually fight to overcome and conquer whatever obstacles stand in the way.  Just as I needed people to get to where I am today, so does everyone else! Just ...