Noah

So if you would believe it, my first time to the hospital in St. Vincent was with Noah, the 9 year old volunteer from the Western Carolina Group. Noah was playing in the school yard and accidentally fell and landed face first on one of St. Vincent's finest schoolyard hazards, a big rock. Well, I am happy to report that Noah survived a full trip to the hospital and is looking straight gangsta here in St. Vincent. He has earned his street credit and I am most proud to report that he didn't earn his cred through hurting others but by living in a way that embraces that simple connection we can have with all of creation.
The following two diddies are for Noah and his dad, Jay. I also want to report that I have an addition to the Mr. Morris story/ "Please only read when sober" blog and I will get that up as soon as the group leaves and I have time to write more.
As always, thank you to everyone, everyone, everyone for being here in spirit. I am there in spirit!

Of A
I am of a land where the kids are forced to be rough
Where nurses tell little boys that falling down and standing back up is the way to become a man.
Where you meet friends as you wait outside the hospital praying for grace and mercy.
I am of a God that brings privileged 9 year olds to play
With those that have been left behind by the world.
I am of a God that places my abuser in the path of righteousness and forgiveness.
I am of a God that is ever-loving.
And that is how, I’m not freaking out.
Deep inside me, I know that peace will reign forever and that my rough boys are going to shower love on that sweet boy.
So
From them, he gets a little bit braver
And
From him, they get a little softer.
Yes
Indeed
I believe that these tiny accidents are miracles working.
God is right in front of my eyes.


For Jay
Dear Dad
I want you to know
That I am impossibly strong.
A real superhero of sorts because
I am a young man who values people.
So know that I will probably fall on my face many more times
And there are sure to be many heartaches ahead but that is
Because
I put myself out there
I embrace my vulnerability yet I never stop running
God has big things in store for me this lifetime.
So be brave, father.
Trust God, father.
Your little man is going to make the world a better place
And
All those scars
That you look and see
How short life can be.
Those scars
They are me.
Strong
Brave
Steady
A warrior of peace.