I really do love Detroit

I have a friend who hates Detroit as much as I love it.  He actually told me to go volunteer somewhere else, like Livonia.  I'm not saying Livonia doesn't need it, I just know where I am supposed to be.  I used to write here about the city, but I have decided to incorporate my love in my regular blog.

Detroit is more than just a cool T-shirt or a cool nickname 'the D' or some really great places to eat and visit to me (though it is those things)

How do I explain the feeling that if Jesus still walked this earth, that I am walking in the places He would walk? Because He came to save the lost. How do I explain my love for people I don't know?  How do I explain the way my heart breaks when there is a need?  That I see the sadness in their eyes.  That when I see graffiti that says 'home is where the hate is' that I want to send more love than is humanly possible for me.

How do I explain a hope and a love that can only be Jesus?  If you ask me to explain how I know there is a Jesus?  I can only tell you what He has done for me.  I just know.

I want the lost to know that they can be found.  That home is not where the hate is, it's where the Love is.  I want to teach each child that Jesus is not just a guy hanging from a cross or something that they should be afraid of, there is no fear in perfect love.

I went for a walk today, my first in a long time.  I thought I'd hear what God had to say, but I didn't. Because I didn't stop talking, there is a season for everything, and the season today was to express my love to Him.  I am thankful for a God who listens. And who speaks.  I am not sure where He is guiding my steps, I've said my piece (though I am sure there is more to come) and now I will listen.  And be obedient.

“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 NLT

This song often resonates in my heart.  We must go.

Comments

Diane said…
I love you! I have had some thoughts bouncing around in my head for some time now; those thoughts are now melding into something that the Holy Spirit has been impressing on me for quite some time now. I don't know where it will end up, but I know now it is time to write about it. Thank you my sister! Some day I'd like to see Detroit through YOUR eyes!

Many hugs.............


Di
Freddie said…
Ah, I know those friends...the ones who try to discourage you from what you know is true.

As I read your thoughts, I couldn't help but think of Jesus. I'm sure that he had tons of people (maybe even his own family) telling him he's crazy for the things he believed, the actions he took and the compassion he displayed. I mean, we know that he was associating with the worst of the worst, and people were talking.
It didn't stop him from doing what he knew His Father wanted of him. He had come to seek and save the lost. He didn't stop for anyone.

I love your heart:)
Deb said…
This is an amazing post. And an amazing song. I had never heard it - imagine that! And it's now downloaded onto my iPhone and playing in my ears.

I was moved to tears by your words, Margie. I have said it before and I'll say it again, "When I grow up, I want to be just like you." Because you...are just like Jesus!

And I also second what Diane said...someday, I would LOVE to see Detroit through your eyes!!