I have gone through a fair amount of painful experiences in my life.  I had three miscarriages in my twenties, lost my father to suicide at age thirty, my daughter suffered a major medical condition two years ago, and I have had those I minister to lie to me, slander my name, steal from me...

photo © 2008 Masahiro Ihara | more info (via: Wylio)There is a food scarcity issue in our Hillside community. Most residents are not working, some do not even receive food stamps, there is no food pantry within walking distance, most do not have a car, and the closest grocery store is more...

photo © 2010 RAFTWET Jewell | more info (via: Wylio)I think I know what Alice felt like when she returned home after spending time in wonderland.  I doubt she went back to life as it was before.  I think she longed to see the mysterious Cheshire Cat appearing and disappearing and I bet she...

Saturday was one of the largest Blessing Day Events we have had at Embrace Richmond in the four year history of the event, with more than 100 individuals from all over the city turning out to bless Hillside court.  MCV brought over a dozen health care professionals and students who assessed...

“When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a communist.” –Dom Helder Camara, Brazilian archbishop I grew up in a small town in Central Texas.  My father was the eldest son of first generation German immigrants.  His...

Monroe Park is the oldest park in the city of Richmond.  It is centrally located and utilized by VCU students, downtown residents and has become a hub for the homeless population of our city.  There are plans to renovate the park which would require it’s closing for up to two years.  The...

The best post I read this week was titled “Disciples, Not Volunteers” by Jamie Arpin-Ricci.  Below is a brief excerpt.  I encourage you to check out the full post at A Living Alternative as well as the wonderfully insightful comments. “As I’ve dug deeper, I began to see a...

One of the most popular posts I have ever written is “Has the Light Gone Out?”  In this post, you will find my answer. Thursday’s at Embrace Richmond are like riding an emotional roller coaster because it is our outreach day in both Hillside and Fairfield courts.  Janie Walker leads us...

A friend of mine who had lived many years on the streets prior to entering the shelter once asked me “What is the definition of insanity?”  I was not sure what she was getting at, so she enlightened me saying, “Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different...

Through the last several posts, I have been sharing insights from “Friendship at the Margins” by Chris Heuertz and Christine Pohl.  One distinction made in the book that I found helpful was that of cause verses community.  Most efforts to address the needs of those trapped in poverty are...

I spend many days alone on our property in rural Virginia.  This cabin in the woods is my sanctuary.  I shared earlier this week that I was beginning to feel overwhelmed by all the need that surrounds me on a daily basis.  I know when that begins to happen, it is time to get away.  We...

After reading my post, “Handouts Do Not Equal Social Justice,” my friend Billy shared on Facebook that he dislikes my blog because I am often critical toward the church.  This post is dedicated to Billy. I could not sleep on Wednesday night and was up facebooking with Billy about why I am...