Ever since I was young, I always enjoyed listening to the stories told from the older men and women. The stories of the days when you didn't have to lock your doors. Your kids can go to the park without fearing the might disappear. You know the famous saying "when I was young". I was young and I would think about walking in the shoes of all those people that told me stories. One day I would be a farmer getting my very first tractor, then I would be there at Woodstock listening to Janis Joplin. My favorite where the war stories. The old men talking about boot camp and when the first fired their very first gun. Or then they talked about the very first time they jumped out of the airplane when parachutes first came out. To be honest, I would rather walk down Cleveland Ave on a Summer day than jump out of a plane. But to know and listen to the guys talk. They where so proud. I talked to a guy that was at the 1967 Super Bowl. Green Bay verses the Kansas City Chiefs. To walk in his shoes would be amazing. Back when helmets where leather and players cared about the team not what sneakers they where going to promote. My favorite is talking to a couple that was married for over 60 years. They sat next to each other and they both had a glow. I asked them how did they stay married for so long. He said it very simple, the man wears the pants but he wears them as little as possible. I remembered his wife laughing. I would say I would like to be in his shoes, but it sound likes he didn't wear them. His follow up was a joke. He also said this. "Kissing your wife is an upper persuation for a lower invasion".
My wife was raised by her grandfather and when I met him he was kind of odd. Now my wife reads these before we publish them and right now she is saying you are calling my GP odd? Well, keep reading honey. Tom was odd because I never met a man that had such a pure heart. I truly believe, If there is or has ever loved my wife more than I, it was her grandfather. I would like to think that I was the one who showed her what unconditional love was, but that can not be said. I also believe he never had a single enemy. There where several occasions where Tom and I had a chance to talk. He enjoyed telling me about his days in the Navy. He told me stories that where so interesting. I loved the time I had with him. I know his daughters miss him very much as do allot of others. But for a short little man who wore size kids in shoes ok maybe a little bit bigger, I will never or would I want to try to fill those shoes. I would like to walk in his shoes and feel the love that man felt. I would like to carry a smile on my face as he did.They say it takes 26 muscles to make a smile. Tom was had the muscles of Arnold when it came to smiles. Where did this kindness come from? Because "when he was young times where good". However, he always had love in his life. First from his family, then like me, he had Nicole that beautiful woman that introduced us to Christ. Tom listened to a little girl and was talked into going to church, then he listened to the voice. He became an active member a wonderful church. I believe he loved charming the old ladies of the church.
I was watching "The Bible" and I was trying to figure out what would I like to have witnessed in person. I decided the baptism of our lord by John. I know it was on the big screen, but I watched Johns face when he saw Jesus arrive at the river. John had no question that he was in the presence of our Messiah, Do you think you would know if the Lord was standing in front of you? Would you know if he was talking to you? What about Peter, when Jesus said help me get into your boat and we will go get some fish and I will change your life. What would you do? I have been fishing, well I should say boating or drowning a worm, because when I do fish they just dont seem to bite. I really think they hate Iowa fishing poles sticking Buckeye fish. but back to the subject, I would never let just anyone in my boat. I would however love to be in the sandals of Peter when he was hailing in all the fish. I would also, never hesitate to change my profession from fisherman of fish to fisher of men.
The one thing I am amazed about is the way Christ used the most ungodly men to do his work. In doing so it changed their life. Take Paul. He was a punk. He persecuted Christians and he needed to be blinded to get him to change.I will say you don't have to blind me to change me. Maybe you might have to hit me over the head but don't blind me. I know the Holy Spirit working when I see it. My problem is I have ignored the voice when he has talked. The Lord has called upon this sinner to do his work, and he has lined up so many people to make it happen. No I am not telling you I hear voices. His voice comes in many forms. It's up to you to listen and understand. However, the hardest part is to follow through. That my friends is not my strong suit. The other thing you have to understand, that I had to learn Satan comes at you in forms disguised as Christlike, so, you have to be careful. I am not a patience person, but Satan is. He has planned out many life problems years in advance. He just sits back and waits. The good thing is that we have the most powerful weapon against these things known as sin. We have a savior that has our back. He has given us the book to survive the world. Let's face it, It's not getting any better. I am afraid for my kids. As much as I love having them, I ask what did I bring them into. What will they have to face. I'll show you....
You pick, your poison. I am afraid they are one in the same. I know there are allot of supporters, and you have the option. Look up in the corner you will see three options, you have an X and you can hit that now. Then poof you don't have to read this. These are my words and my thoughts. I won't get into an argument about poison number two, but I have a friend and an Aunt that would be more than happy to talk about this. I know what Satan 1 and 2 has done to my friends on the streets. It is horrible. Those are two pairs of shoes that I will never wear and I don't regret it.
So why would I bring all this up. This Blog is about the homeless. Well, it's very simple......
With allthe talk about walking in someone elses shoes would you walk in mine?
or his
or his
or his
To me I would rather walk in his
Walking in my own shoes. Some mornings
I wake up and I do not want to be in my own. I am responsible for me
and my family. I choice the direction I go and the path I walk. I know
there is a straight and narrow and I know there is a broad road filled
with sin. I know in my shoes there is a family that will follow the way I
go. I know the people that follow listen, and without good advice they
will not continue to follow and will find a new path.
God
has gifted me with several wonderful things. I have a friend that even
though he has a load he carries every day, he has prayed with me
everyday. I have a friend that has dropped off music and books that take
me back to the narrow road my shoes should be on. I have friends that
will drop doing anything and run over and help my family. I have a
single Mom that has provided food during my sickness. And she has taken
the time to send me a card out of no where. Thanks Amy Bashforth!
This young Mom is amazing. She doesn't know me, but she knows the love
of Christ. She has a daughter that loves serving the homeless. I have a
ministry that has brought so many people into our life. I am not talking
about the volunteers, that would take a Blog by itself. We have the
best people that serve as the hands and feet. I am talking about our
campers. Not because we provide meals or clothes, but they know in their
deepest darkest place in their hearts that we where sent from Christ to
look after them. They know the people we bring are there for them, to
love them unconditionally. They look to us as the hope they lost
somehow. And we as a ministry, directed by the highest of powers, we
have a duty to bring them hope, love, and an understanding of where it
all comes from. That's why we do what we do. Going out on the streets,
going to soup kitchens and we have special events ( which I will get
into).
It
seems there are so many things that has happened this year. Walking in
my shoes would not have been fun. But I learned something very
important. God has called on me to be better then I have been. He has
taken people out of my life that would do harm to the ministry and has
put people in my life to show me true unconditional love. Not just fake
words, but the real deal.
Here is the real deal. My
name is Michael J. Hogan. I am a sinner. I make mistakes everyday. I
will disappoint you, and for some reason I might push you away. I might
commit the ultimate sin and un-friend you on Facebook,
which should be a capital offense in this country, in which case I am a
repeat offender. But know this about me. I am a minister serving with
the best group of people ever. I am a Mason with Brothers all over this
world. They have the highest expectations of what a man should be. They
are also, very forgiving and loving. I am a Christian and I will be
there when you need me and I will love you no matter what. I believe in
forgiveness, if I didn't I would be in a world of hurt, because I have
needed forgiveness more than most. I am a family man, not saying I am
husband of the year, but I have a partner who understands me and loves
me when I feel nobody in this world cannot. I am a father of nine, yes I
said nine kids. I love them with all of my heart. I am called Pastor Bubba
and I will stop anywhere on this earth to pray with you. I believe that
we are all brothers and sisters. Most of us live in a home and some
live on the streets. I believe in the old ways, when your down and out,
and you need someone, you are their for them. I will come to you when
you need me no matter what the time or what state of mind your are in.
When I leave you at a camp or at your home a piece of my heart is left
there with you. When I don't see you for more than a week, I begin to
miss you. You become the part of me. I am your brother! You are welcome
to wear my shoes, but I am sure the ones you wear fit you fine. But if
you find that your shoes don't fit and you cannot wear them give me a
call, because it might be time to put on a new pair and follow a new
path.
I
have not written a blog in some time. Why? Because I lost my way for a
bit. I didn't hear the voice or was moved to write in this blog. That
happens in society these days. I was one wife from living on the
streets. My wife had very rough year and she has shown me a strength
that I should have had for her. To that she is my Angel. I thank her and
several friends for not giving up. I know that I lost some good friends
that gave up on us. I understand completely. I believe the saying is
show me don't tell me. I have one lord to serve and to him I need to
show complete obedience and love. To that I look forward to. The time
has come.....
A couple of months ago, I had a house
full of brothers and sisters sit with me and show me love. They followed
the Bible where it says "But if they will not listen, take one or two
others along, so that
‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three
witnesses". I know, I didn't move fast enough and I believe this person
has lost faith in what we as a group are capable of doing. This person
is silent around me and the faith has left the building. Those times
have happened to me before. I am very sorry for the loss. I pray this
person will find the joy in what we do again. What we do is a joyful
thing. We bring the light of Christ into peoples life. We get to be on
the front line of the battle going on that was started the day Eve ate
from the tree, wait maybe it was the day God took a rib and gave us
women? Just kidding my love!
The first thing I say
when you meet me is have fun. We may be in the darkest parts in
Columbus. We might be dealing with people that do some of the worse
drugs in the history of mankind. Even on the streets, when we are
dealing with our friends doing drugs, they show us respect. Do you ever
wonder why? They would not treat their own families as nice as they
treat us. Once again, we serve the true God. We are not the only ones
giving our hearts to someone, I believe they are giving a little of
their hearts to us. That is a treasure that you cannot put a value on.
Now
most of you that has served with us, has seen me being prayed on. It's
kind of a turnaround from what we do. This homeless man has been praying
over me for two years now. I know very little about him, but he is led
to pray in private with me. That is amazing to me. He is sharing his
love of Christ with me. He never asks for anything. I ask one thing from
him. Don't stop praying. I am amazed by the simple love that is shown
from just a little prayer.
As a minister and I would
like to take it to the next step a become a disciple maker as we are
taught to do, I realize that there is a missing link in our ministry.
Maybe not a missing link, but something that we as a group should
change. I use my daughter for many prayers in the ministry. I believe
the cute factor is good, but there needs to be a heart felt prayer from
one of our leaders. I feel we have many people that need a solid prayer.
So, I should be talking to our group, but I know that we are in the
last days. I know there reaches a time that we are responsible for the
friends we serve. I know the ladies on our team are very much into
saying prayers and I also know that Ward suggested we ask offer
individual prayer. I am stating that we are turning things around in our
group. This last Saturday was amazing. Our street friends are dying to
hear the word. They will listen to any church that goes out and serves.
However, I know that they will hear us preach and they will act on what
we say. We as a ministry holds the lives of so many in our hands. I know
God has put the right people in our ministry. I will be honest, I don't
read minds so I am not sure where my team's heart is at this point. I
know changes are needed. I also, am so thankful that God has shown me
that he will always provide. Like when our leadership team separated a
couple years ago. God knows that I was unhappy and that the hearts of
some of the team really wasn't in it. So, after the team split it was
because their hearts where no longer in it. God in his glorious wisdom
knew that I was unhappy serving and he knew that I was not prepared to
see that happen in my group. It really does stress me out when members
of my fellow leadership team are unhappy. I think it make them nuts
because I am so worried, I ask them if they are okay. I guess I need to
leave it in Gods hands and follow the direction in the bible " “If your
brother or sister sins go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over" Matthew 18:15.
We share the love of Christ with the homeless. However, as a leader and a cofounder
is the one thing I believe is you cannot share Christ's love with
others, If the love in our team is not being shown to each other. I have
seen so many ministries fall apart and fall into sin, because they do
not follow the scriptures. And I am so ashamed that I am guilty of not
following the Bible and what it says. Not on everything, because if I
did not follow the scriptures at all then we would not have lasted this
long. It is time to not just stop talking, but add action on top of the
talk. A sister in the group shared that with me and I am so thankful.
Action with talk equals love, trust and forgiveness of your brothers and
sisters.
I know that I have talked allot in this
blog. I need you to understand that wearing another persons shoes can
not be easy. You don't need to walk in another persons shoes, but you
can understand where they are coming from. There are several people that
I need to thank for showing me the light. Bringing hope to my life
again and letting me know I am needed. The one person is my Aunt
Sherrie. My Aunt believes in me and she understands where I have been.
She also shared with me that I am very important in her spiritual walk. I
had no clue that she held me in that regard. Just knowing that one
person needs me for spiritual advice is such a huge honor. A personal
message, Aunt Sherrie I love you and I am there for you. Your little
preacher man is back and I am here for you. I really feel I let you down
and that is no longer the case. Now, I have a circle of friends that
are very straight up with me. In this I am a very fortunate man. The
circle is a chain that cannot be broke. I actually feel that links are
being added all the time. I need to thank Ward and Mark. You both are
straight shooters and I have acted like a very immature man, but you
never left my side and you kept me straight. Then I have Shawn Jones. He
has stepped up and shown me that I am a married man and the Bible
speaks to me and directs me through the Bible on how to be a better
husband. Granted I need my wife to study and we will be with another
couple, and I am not sure where you stand with me. But in the last
couple of months you have directed me on some very wise counsel. I have
taken that and I have run with it. I have watched you as a husband and
you have mastered the art of marriage. Not an easy task. Your wife loves
and respects you and that is amazing. You are a man of God. Speaking
of a man of God, I need to thank David Welch.
When no other person came to the hospital he was there. He has met me
for lunch and he has shown me that it is okay to just listen. Speaking
is good, however the best adviser is a listener. Brother you have never
judged me, and you encourage me in ways no others do. The youth that you
witness to are very fortunate to have them in their life. I pray that
my children will have someone, if not you to take interest in them and
show them the way and the love Christ. And now I have several others to
add to my chain. Pastor Ben you are amazing. I know my wife respects you
and listens. My wife is very intelligent and if she says that I can
learn from you, I have learned that she is very seldom wrong on matters
such as this. I look forward to your teaching. And now Jesus put a
several other people in my life. They are amazing and cannot wait to get
to know them. Pastor Steve from Discover and Carlos from Hilliard
Church of Christ. Two very amazing men that I have had a chance to talk
with. Their love for Christ is awesome. If I can gain knowledge that all
these men have to offer and the love they have for Christ, there will
never be an end to what my family can accomplish.
Once
again, there are so many shoes walking around me, that share the love
of Christ. How can I not serve our Lord the way he deserves, no he
demands of us. There is no stopping Light of Salvation and serving the
friends on the street. This will be the last time I dwell on the past. I
am here as a leader of a wonderful ministry. I may not have the same
people in my leadership team, but I know God will provide me with
awesome servants of the Lord to join my family and serve the front line
of this battle. I am here to serve. I do not have to show man what I am
doing in my walk. I have one person I have to serve. Our Lord and savior
will come again soon. When he does, it won't be about wearing someones
shoes, it will be what have I done with the ministry he loaned me and
the people that serve next to me.
I wear size 12 shoes.
I don't care what they look like, but I do care who tries to wear them.
So, if you try them on beware. My world has been dark a long time, and
my shoes have holes in them. They have walked through some of the most
disgusting places but they have also taken me to places that I would
consider Heaven on Earth. I know this blog might not make sense to many,
but it is what I feel I needed to write. God bless you all for being in
my life. I hope you are there through the good and bad. I know God has
been waiting for me to come out of this dark place. I see some light
finally and like one of those first days of spring where you feel the
warmth on your face, you know it is going to be a wonderful day.
Oh and a side note. As I stated above. I have taken allot of people off Facebook.
By the end of the week everyone should be gone except my kids. The pen
is mightier than the sword and the keyboard of my laptop can be a
nuclear weapon. I know my limits and right now, Facebook,
is to easy for me to show a side of me that I need to go far away from
me. So, please don't take it personal, it is the Godly thing to do.
Besides I would rather hear your voice than see words on a screen.
Now let the journey continue, we have a very little time and allot of lost people to find.
God Bless,
Michael
