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!

Subscribe to the post comments feeds or Leave a trackback