Salvation Army Adventures Part 1

Today was a tough day at work for me. Thank goodness it was a short day and I got to leave at 3:00, I needed to get away!

I called 9-1-1 today. I am not going to say that I had to and now that I go over and over the scenario in my head I really wish I would not have. Not because I got in trouble or anything but, because I really believe that I could have dealt with the situation SO much better.

Without further adieu here is what happened:

Captain T was in his office with the door shut talking to a relatively insane lady. My coworker and I were in my office counting money when this gentlemen comes in. Now, we know this guy...he has come in before and the only way I know how to explain it is that he gives off a really creepy vibe. He is homeless although you would never be able to tell because he keeps himself very clean and presentable. Previous employees have warned me about him as he tends to come in and sit in the lobby of the Corps. and stare at you through the window making you very uncomfortable.

So, anyway he comes in and asks if he can use the bathroom. If it was just me he was asking I would have let him use the bathroom without issue. I tend to do whatever I can to appease someone just long enough for them to get what they want and hopefully get out. But, my coworker decided to implement the lose policy we have about not allowing the public to use our restrooms. We have had issues with people using the bathrooms and vandalizing etc. Needless to say he did not take this information well and proceeded to become angry. He said that he goes to church here sometimes, which he does, and that he has talked to Capt. T, which he has and why is it that we cannot allow him to use the bathroom? He then asked to speak to Capt. T very upset that we were not allowing him the access he felt that he was entitled to. We told him that Capt. T was in a meeting right now and that if he wanted to talk to him he would have to wait for him. He was more than willing to wait for him while standing in the middle of my office door way disgusted by our bathroom policy. Of course he had time to wait, what else was he going to do?

I asked him if he would like to have a seat in the lobby and wait for Capt. T but he responded that he would rather stand in the doorway. My coworker then told him that we were counting money and that he really did need to go and wait in the lobby for security purposes. He did so begrudgingly and then proceeded to intimidate me by staring at me through the window while making faces. I stared back, not backing down! He was very belligerent and angry and I was pissed and a little scared. I looked at my coworker and said I think I am going to call the police. She agreed and I dialed. I did tell him I was going to call the police and he LOVED that! The police came escorted him away and that was that.

What I am having a problem with is this guy was really intelligent. Almost like one of those people that is SO smart that he cannot have a 'normal' life. He was saying, while waiting for the police, if calling the police is something Jesus would have done. I thought about this and thought that there might have been a few occasions that if the 9-1-1 option was there, Jesus might have called! Needless to say I had to question whether calling the police was necessary and would Jesus have called the police. He called my Christianity into question and thought that I should be fired because what kind of Christan calls the police on someone who wants to use the bathroom?

So, I have been wrestling all day about it and feeling bad and convicted. That is why I am working at the Salvation Army to reach out to people just like him and what do I do to minister...call the police and have him escorted off the property. What a dummy I am!

Doing the Most Good

Most of the people at work take issue with the slogan of The Salvation Army, "Doing the Most Good." They don't like it and think that it sounds pretentious. What are your thoughts of the slogan?

 

Later, I will fill you in on the meaning behind it and then we can discuss again! 

My New Mantra

Preach The Gospel At All Times And, If Necessary, Use Words

~ St. Francis of Assisi

The Paradoxical Commandments

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.

Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.

Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies. 

Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. 

Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.

Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.

Think big anyway.

People favor the underdogs but follow only top dogs.

Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.

Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.

Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.

Give the world the best you have anyway.

~Dr. Kent M. Keith

3 Books I am EXCITED to Read

In his life-changing book, Fields of the Fatherless, Tom Davis shines a bright light on the true meaning of living out the gospel. His much - needed message reminds us of the urgency and frequency with which God commands His people to care for those who desperately need provision and protection. Based on a wealth of vital but often overlooked Scriptural truth, this book is sure to surprise, challenge, empower, and ultimately bless you. 

The Revolution consists of 12 chapters, each written by a different Christian author on a different social justice issue. Topics include hunger, torture, gang violence, and human trafficking, among others. The essays are not only meant to inform, but also to motivate, and they do just that. The Revolution provides a valuable resource for those who are thinking and praying about how best to do the work we are put here to do. 

The Relevant Nation tells the stories of 50 visionaries under the age of 40 who are living influential, active, and passionate lives grown out of their Christian faith. In a series of conventional profiles, the book examines innovators from the worlds of art and entertainment, science and technology, business and social justice. The stories will inspire you to take risks, serve others with greater passion and embrace an influential and fulfilling life. 

MUD RUN!!

My trainer told me about this race and it sounds SO much fun! It is such a popular race that they have three races that take place on three consecutive days and all of them for this year are sold out! I will be doing this next year...do I have any takers to do it with me!? It is in San Diego so if nothing else we would have a great time in a sunny local. 

Here is the description of the race: 

This is the World Famous Mud Run! The Mud Run is a challenging 10K run with hills, tire obstacles, river crossings, two 5-foot walls with mud on both sides, tunnel crawl, slippery hill climb, and the final 30-foot mud pit. Along the course there will be 6 water points with personnel staged at each. This is the most fun you can have running a 10K! View the course map at www.camppendletonraces.com. Race individually military or civilian, within your age division, or as a member of a 5-person team. Choose the Open category with no restrictions on attire and footwear, or the Boots and Utilities category, which requires regulation military boots and camouflage utility trousers. Please note: there is a 2 hour 45 minute time limit on the completion of the course.

Adoption Tales

After much prayer and consideration Phil and I have decided to proceed forward with the adoption process. It is a lengthy process and we decided it would be best to finally start now! We have always talked about wanting to adopt as there are so many kids out there that need loving homes. We are very excited and apprehensive and would really appreciate all your prayers and support. 

I have felt prompting and a desire to adopt from Haiti. I don't really know why Haiti but I am listening to the Holy Spirit and believe that is where Phil and I are to focus our efforts. So, here are just a few things I will be praying for: 

~I pray for the mothers in Haiti about to give birth to children they cannot care for. 

~I pray for the child who will be placed in a foster care facility awaiting adoption. 

~I pray for the foster care employees who will be caring for these children. 

~I pray for the families that will welcome these kids into their homes and love them as their own. 

I am sure I will have more to come and I will keep everyone posted!! Thanks again in advance for all your prayers and support!