Faith in Action

I’m just getting in from my community’s National Night Out activities.  The community association organized a fun-filled, meaningful event.  There was free food, school supplies for the kids, and information for residents.

We also took a moment to remember a young man who was killed on that same block a few months ago.  The picture above shows the procession of people with candles in hand to signify a new season of peace and an end to the bloodshed.  Our community association president is leading the group and singing “This little light of mine.”

As one of the neighborhood ministers, I was asked to share a few words at the very spot where the young man was killed.  It was a powerful moment.  Seeing people gather around and leave their porches to be community.  The young guys who occupy the corners were side by side with the Mothers of the block who were side by side with the young sisters who were sportin’ their flip flops, freshly painted toes, and brightly colored wardrobes.  The old men sat on the porches and gave approving headnods to something that this community (and many other communities) needs much more of.

After the moment of remembrance and call for peace in our community, I made it a point to reach out to a good brother who served as the DJ.  His house, apparently, is the hangout spot for the guys.  I jokingly told him that I was going to come to his porch one day and hang out.  Knowing that I am a preacher, he said - “You don’t want to hang out on my porch“.  We chuckled.  Then he asked me about mentoring opportunities for his children.  I gave him my card and cell phone number.

I look forward to hanging out on his porch.  I believe Jesus would be there…hanging out with the guys on the porch…hanging out with the sistas who stand underneath the streetlights…building relationships with old men who sit on porches because it’s too hot in the house.  That’s where Jesus would be. 

The truth is, I sensed the presence of God tonight on the block with people who are unlikely to visit the church house.  And I have a sneaky suspicion that I’ll sense God again when I hang out on my new homeboy’s porch.