Blessed Hope

Its been a long time since I've taken the time to say anything here, but this is so precious, I had to share it.

My mom has not always been a 'living for God' type of Christian. We've had many debates about what one of those may look like. Because she was raised in Lutheran church and parochial school, she always felt that she was "all set" in the religion department.

About a year or two ago, she found a community of believers that she loves and shares her life with.
Both mom and my brother Kevin, have invited me to their church many, many times.

They both felt loved and wanted there.

I heard about the meals served daily, the household items given when needed, how struggling families are helped once they find housing with furniture or bedding or dishes or whatever may be needed.

In the spring, mom had a heart attack.
I finally made time to visit Blessed Hope Christian Church with my brother, before we visited mom at the hospital.

The small church is housed at the end of an old fashioned strip of store buildings on Fort Street.
It could be a corner boutique or shop of some sort, were it in another neighborhood.
Narrow and long, it has a front door on the main road, as well as a door at the side street.

Mom called to tell me that her friend Bill died. He was a homeless man from the mission. Bill was known as a bit of a trouble maker, (just her type). But, they liked each other alot. She said he was very generous, that he received checks from the government, and could afford to live in a cheap motel, but preferred to live on the street. She especially likes Bill because, when my brother Kevin was living on the street, Bill took care of him. He gave Kevin cardboard and papers to cover with, and stayed up all night to watch over him.

I had no idea that living on the street was so dangerous. I mean obvious danger, heat, cold, starvation. I realize that I have actually put little if any thought to homelessness.

Bill also gave Kevins wife $20.00 when Kevin was in jail and there was no money.

A homeless man gave my family money for food? When and how did this happen and I did not know about it?


Leaders from Blessed Hope called the hospital to inquire about funeral arrangements. They were told that since they were not family, no funeral information could be given. Thats understandable, I guess. Except, Blessed Hope was Bills family. He ate there and fellowshipped there every day.

Mom said he sat outside behind the building every day. It it was raining, Bill was still sitting out behind the building. He was often seen pushing his shopping cart across Fort or Southfield.


Sunday night, Blessed Hope had a memorial service for Bill. Mom attended, as well as bikers and homeless and regular people. Mom said it was the nicest service. People were given the opportunity to stand up and speak about Bill.


She is telling me this on the phone, as I am driving to work. I find myself unable to breathe or a choke and sob will come out of me and I will be a wreck when I arrive at work.


People were given the opportunity to stand up and speak about Bill?


People with ripped, dirty, mis-matched clothes, and dirty faces and nasty hair were given opportunities to grieve and mourn and speak about their loss? They were hugged and valued?

They had a funeal service for one of their own?


Behind Blessed Hope is a dumpster. Mom said the next morning, there was a cross attached, and flowers. I had to make her stop telling me about this. My heart was completely overwhelmed with the genuine and sincere love of Christ this messy church had shown.


I haven't stopped thinking about Bill. Monday it rained all day. When mom got to the mission, several people made comments about Bill. "Bill's not sitting in the rain anymore"



I drove over to the mission this morning. The flowers are still there.
A shopping cart with a black bag inside is parked next to the dumpster.



These people are living the love of Christ daily.


I am humbled. This time I won't forget.