The Homeless Speak Straightforward

Dear friend,                                              The Homeless Speak Straightforward

    

“I think you are right, we need to drop humanitarian aid to convince them to talk but we have to keep bombing them too,” retorted an outspoken fellow in the Chicago “Men’s Homeless Shelter” He said this in response to my reflections on dealing with Isis nonviolently.

I showed them this photo to bring home the reality of bombing. It is so easy to forget how a bomb affects the people.  

Another man ask “But what can we do right here now?”  I responded, “That is a very good question. One thing we can do is pray. I believe there is a lot more power in prayer than I or probably anyone here realizes.”

Another added, “the military Industrial congressional complex” is such a big monster; how do we ever deal with them? About all I know to do is to pray.” “I guess you are right,” I responded. ”You know some problems like this are so huge it is hard to have hope. We have to ask God what we should do. You might think I am crazy but I believe justice and peace is coming.” 

“Many of you are black. Your ancestors were slaves. Things have changed. You are not slaves today. In the early 1800’s when people began to work for freedom for the slaves I imagine people said ‘Slavery is such a big problem you’ll never change it.’  Things are not perfect and there is much that still needs to be done to bring justice, though it is much better than it used to be.  Things have and are changing. We have to think of the long haul. We each have to do our part to fill the justice bucket to bring peace.”

 I suppose many think I am crazy. But I believe God is stronger than bombs and guns. In the end God will win. And what is so great about it, God wants us to help. What a privilege to be partnering with God in such a noble task. God is wonderful. God is good.

Another added, “Our news media has duped us into believing Muslims are all bad. I don’t believe that. They are humans just like us.”

Another guy with others asked “Why did you come here?” I said, I came here to give you hope.  What do you think? Have I given you any hope? Many responded in numerous ways. You sure have! I sensed the same as many made a special effort to thank me and shake my hand when I left.

The guys surprised me with their honesty, straightforwardness, and knowledge in their remarks and questions. I felt it was one of the best audiences I have ever had. One fellow who was half drunk just about derailed the discourse until he was ushered out.

By the time you get this I will be on a trip starting in LA, then north through California and Oregon doing talks with discussions on dealing with Isis nonviolently. It will have started on 2/19 lasting about a month, ending with a weekend with our daughter Emily’s family in Washington. I really look forward to the time with them.

                                                                                                                       

Pray that God would use this trip to show “the way”. Thanks so very much.                                                                                                                     

Shalom, Jim

PS. If you would like to join this peace efforts with a contribution, make check out to Jim Fitz, and sent to Jim Fitz 727 Reba Place, Evanston, IL 60202.  Any support is greatly appreciated.