Blessings from God! The continuing saga of living in the land between.
Chuck Harper·Thursday, October 1, 2015
I share the following letter that was sent to many of the people in our lives who journeyed with us through some tough and uncertain times. Please give the following a read
Sept 20, 2015
THE DATE: AUGUST 17th 2010.
THE PLACE: UPPER ROOM MISSION.
THE EVENT: YOU’RE FIRED!
THE DATE: OCTOBER 1ST 2015.
THE PLACE: UPPER ROOM MISSION.
THE EVENT: YOU’RE HIRED!
These two words changed our lives forever. Read along and I will tell you a story. As you will know my dismissal from the Mission was traumatic and impacted our whole world, from family, friends to a community. Early on I was depressed, suicidal and broken. The birth of our granddaughter Lily was the turning point in my walk back towards the light. Two books came across my path that changed my life. A sword shall pierce your soul by Caroline Julihn and the book The Land Between by Jeff Manion.
My soul was pierced and I was lost. By just continuing to breathe slowly I came out of it. It was not something deliberate. A conversation with my dear friend Cathy was a defining moment. That began the journey towards healing for me and my family. I cannot share with you all of the five year walk in the desert. But I can say that in the brokenness my mantra has been Romans 12:1 & 2; being transformed by the renewing of my mind.
So many awesome things happened during the 5 years. God used this to make a win. I might need to write a book about it. I will highlight one aspect: The Chaplaincy: In seeing gaps in the community and my Holy Discontent the Lord put in me to reach out in ways that were not being met. Unfortunately, a lot of it has had to do with death. By being able to reach out to guys who needed a touch from the Masters hand, God used me to talk some guys out of killing themselves. The Homeless Memorial was initiated. I have had many coffee times and prayer with guys; also working in the community with other care givers. All of this is a win.
Today was my first day back. In some ways it was like I never left. Yet…. It was hard to leave my work mates from JHS. Our family and friends are stoked.
So don’t give up hope whatever your journey. Give it God and watch him work.
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