And it is only half over! Justin and I attended Bible study at Victory this morning, with fewer of us there than usual for some reason . No matter, the subject carried us along as we discussed decision theology vs. what the Bible says regarding God adopting us. Not the other way around, it does not work that way. One of Pastor's favorite things to remind us of is that there are only two religions on earth: "Do" and "Done". We are the Done people as we recognize that our salvation is a gift to us and there is nothing else we must do to earn more salvation. Others are "Do" people who are always looking for how to earn their salvation. Always a good class with ample give 'n take time. Justin and I used his coupon at the Italian place, finding one of this chain's stores much much closer to 'home', Hodges Blvd., rather than going to Fruit Cove. It was lovely and the bill came to just less than $2.00 for the two of us. Quite the discount for our calzones!
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Back to Bible study: Pastor shared a story about a poor man who came to the church doors yesterday with his utility bill in hand, asking for assistance with paying it. He had been in a terrible fiery car accident which caused the skin on face, ears, and hands to basically melt, leaving only stubs for fingers. He was a black man, an immigrant from Africa two years ago, sponsored by Lutheran Social Services. Well, sadly, Pastor had to tell him that this church was not in a position right now to help anyone out, that it has been a rough year financially for everyone, etc. but felt just terrible having to turn the man away. Pastor did refer him to LSS again for help and found out later that there is a Catholic agency who is helping people with their JEA bills. We can designate $5 additional each month to go into this pot. He did not get the man's information to call and let him know this, but has to hope that LSS was able to guide him. Man, that is rough! It was obvious that Pastor felt badly about having to send him along.
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Something similar happened to me on Tuesday afternoon, after being in the kindergarten. I stopped at the bank and was driving through the parking lot of Target to get back onto Wells at a traffic light. A young woman was sort of pacing around and as I stopped at the sign she sort of gestured to me, so I put my window down. She wanted to ask me a question, and hopefully it was one I could answer. In her hand was a cell phone with a stack of bills clutched to it, and in the other hand, a cigarette. Ugh! She told me her car, gestured over her shoulder, needed a new belt and she called around to find the cheapest one, but was $5 short. I encouraged her to check at the CarMatics nearby to see if they could help her out. If she did not have the cigarette in her hand, I would have helped her, but.....
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As I drove off, feeling badly, I looked back and saw her heading west on Wells in the direction of the store where she got the best price on the belt. Rats! I thought, 'What if that was my sister or my niece and she needed some help???" so I turned around and headed back to find her. Well, I just could not see her, wondering where she got to in such a short time. I went to the car parts store and waited to see if she would show up but nope, no sign of her. Now I felt even worse for not helping in the first place. After a little wait, I decided to give up and go home, but had a sick feeling in my heart, again, picturing one of my family members being in a pinch and no one helping. I was prejudiced by the smoking and let an opportunity to help slip away.....I could have handed her an Outreach flier with the $5, right?
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This is the part of the month I wait for, when I am expecting a check, so go to the mailbox with a bit more frequency. Today I got a lovely note card from Jackie at church. Hmmm....was she thanking me for something or what? No, a little news clipping dropped out as I opened it, a job opening she thought I would like. Now, isn't that sweet? She said she saw it in the Clay Today and thought of me, an Activity Director at a senior center near the Beaches area. The job description is what she wanted me to see: stimulate residents with fun and creative activities; excite the residents with programs that promote well-being physically, mentally, and socially (she underlined that word!). Since I do not have a bachelor's degree (I guess I would be a bachelorette!!!) I do not qualify but I do have a background in working with seniors, after 10 years at Shady Lane Home! She just got a kick out of this ad, thinking of me, and made me have a happy heart by her sending it to me.
