For over a decade now, I’ve had the joy of interacting with men and women who are said to be on the “margins of society.” The word margin simply means “the edge or border of something.” When describing people, the word typically references those who don’t fit into the normal social structure of a community. … Continue reading Black Hole Jesus
Marginal
Dignity Pt. 1 – Showers
We have two showers at Midtown Commons. For the first three years I worked here, no one showered in them. In fact, we just used the showers for storage space. Then, one day, Linda (who I mentioned last month) came into the Commons and asked if she could take a shower. She was a mess … Continue reading Dignity Pt. 1 – Showers
Good News to the Poor – Usefulness for All
Linda is off the hook crazy. I first met her when my pastor friend Brian responded to a call FROM THE POLICE to assist in a domestic situation. Brian and I drove down an ally to find a woman ranting and raving in front of what looked like a yard sale. It wasn’t a yard … Continue reading Good News to the Poor – Usefulness for All
Good News to the Poor – A Different Strategy
Every Thursday morning at Midtown Commons, we set up a folding table and top it with bagels, cereal, and fresh fruit. We brew numerous pots of coffee and click on the open sign. Just before 8:00 am, we open the doors and our beloved neighbors, many of whom are homeless, join us for breakfast and … Continue reading Good News to the Poor – A Different Strategy
What’s Wrong With Us?
My friend Jeff is the director of a Louisville area non-profit called Clean Socks Hope. Clean Socks (as we refer to it) began with the simple idea of giving clean socks to homeless people. The organization has now adopted a 10 year plan to invest in New Albany’s Midtown neighborhood. Jeff has office space at the … Continue reading What’s Wrong With Us?
Bearing With
I am to bear with the failings of the weak. Paul, the Apostle, writes, “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” (Romans 15:1-2, ESV) People are weak. But … Continue reading Bearing With
Worthiness
All people are worthy of my time and attention. Notice this doesn’t say, “I think all people are worthy of my time and attention.” That's because the statement is not an opinion, it’s the truth. It will always be true, even when I completely botch it up and ignore the people that smell funny or … Continue reading Worthiness
Values
My name is Preston and I am a minister to the poor. I get to interact with homeless men and women, children from broken homes, addicts, ex-cons, the poor elderly, and the mentally ill on a daily basis. I love it. My strong, intelligent, talented, absolutely gorgeous wife, Rachel, has walked beside me in this … Continue reading Values
Preston Searcy 