Walk in my shoes...

Just take one second, close your eyes and what do you hear? I hear Myka playing, the wind chimes outside because the windows are open and the wind blowing through the house. I hear the said of our new puppy making small snoring noises.

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