Wednesday, April 10, 2013

My New Job Title: Micheal Jordan's Chauffer


It’s official.  I can now say that I have met Michael Jordan.  I had no idea that things had gotten so tough for him, but he is an elderly black man who lives in a flop house on the south side of Memphis.  I have to confess that I don’t truly believe that the man whom I had the gift of meeting today was in fact THE Michael Jordan.  But that is the name he gave me as I was giving him a ride home today, so that is what I will call him until he trusts me enough to tell me his real name. 

I met Michael at a service station not far from the seminary when I stopped on my way to class to get my afternoon Diet Mountain Dew fix.  He was in the parking lot as I got out of my car, and was asking passersby for a little bit of food to eat.  He smelled of alcohol.  His eyes were red.  His clothes were ill-fitting and torn, and he had an unlit Kool Menthol hanging from between his lips.  He was carrying a backpack that had only God knows what in it and was holding it as dearly as a parent would hold a child.  And I found myself hoping that he wouldn't get around to speaking to me between my exiting the car and entering the store.  And worse, I had been on the phone with my older brother Rick talking about JUST such a scenario just 15 minutes earlier!  And I mean that literally.  (God’s timing is impeccable, isn't it?)  Needless to say I wasn't quick enough.  Michael caught me dead to rights.  “Hey man, could you help me get a little food?”  DANG!

I had to get to class.  I haven’t got the money to do this.  I had at least 15 good and reasonable excuses for NOT helping Michael, and only one reason FOR helping… the conviction of the Spirit.  So I told him I would be right back with some food.  I grudgingly went in and purchased a sandwich, drink, and chips.  I even added a banana so that at least I could say I got him something healthy.  I was doing my duty as a Christian, and a pastor even if there was no “joyful giving” going on.  In a rush, I sped back out the door looking for Michael and I couldn't see him.  “WHAT!?  I’m trying to help you out and you don’t have the decency to wait?”  Then I finally saw Michael off to the side of the parking lot with a middle aged man cursing and cussing him for all he was worth.  Michael had made the mistake of asking the man for a light for his cigarette. 

My heart was broken and then I began to get angry.  I have never witnessed such a purely vicious attack against someone who is obviously in need of help.  And in my rising anger, I was struck by a sudden realization… in my heart I had thought (less the language) the same things about Michael.  I had seen a wreck where a man had stood asking for my help.  I had seen a nuisance where God had created opportunity for ministry.  I had all but shouted “you’re not worth my effort” in my aggravation for being bothered by Michael.  I was broken in that moment.  And I was ashamed…

Michael thanked me for the food as I handed it to him… then cautiously asked if I could take him “to where I stay at”.  It was in south Memphis.  WAY on the other side of town and the tracks.  On the ride he told me his name was Michael Jordan, like the basketball player.  He asked my name and what I did for a living.  Then he asked if he could pray for me.  His prayer was simple… “Gawd, thank you for this man who really knows you.  Wash over him. Amen.” 

I think he may have meant to say, “watch” but I think wash fits just perfectly.  And God truly did wash over me in that moment.  Though internally I knew that I had tried to deny knowing God in an effort to keep my schedule intact, I was reminded how much I want to know Jesus more intimately.  Oddly enough, knowing Jesus more intimately both begins with and leads to getting to know the "Michael"s of the world better.  I was renewed by this unwanted, chance meeting with a man that I tried to sneak past in a parking lot.  And I received such a blessing from that prayer that I want to offer it over you with a slight modification if I can.

“God, thank you for these people who want to really know you.  Wash over them.  Amen.”

Your Servant in Christ,

Bro. Chris

No comments:

Post a Comment

I'm always glad to hear from people who have taken time to read the posts here... even those who may not agree with me. I have had to make changes in the way I handle comments for this blog. They will all be subject to moderation from here on in. And as this is a personal blog and I have sole responsibility for its upkeep, it may take me a while to clear a post. I only ask 2 things from those who would leave comments.

1.) Please give your name. I have posted under mine, not anonymously or with a user name that would hide my identity. I would hope if someone was going to share an opinion, thought, criticism, or atta boy, that they would do so without fear of being identified so we can have an open dialogue.

2.) Please be respectful in the use of your language. Any cuss words, slurs, or other specifically vitriolic language will result in your comments not being posted. This is simply an attempt to keep a civil and life affirming tone for this space.

Thanks! And remember... Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss things. But small minds talk about people. Let's try to be great together.