Turn This Bridge Out!

Tuesday was another exciting night!

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REWIND: So here we are at Tuesday. Tonite should be very interesting. In our house-hunting antics, we encountered some ministry folks who have night service under the bridge in downtown Nashville. Of course, that raised an eyebrow and I inquired for more details. "They weren't looking for voyeurs, there will be things to do," the slender but happy man replied while smiling from the side of his mouth. "Good," I retorted with my own smirk, "that sounds real to me. I'm in." I was told to be prepared for anything; miracles, drunks and wonder! Dress down and prepare to serve and share...what a cutline. Anyway, I am sure it will be food for a note-worthy blog later. I did find this great blog on Nashville Under the Bridge, I think.

It was another amazing Tuesday nite for the Bridge Ministry folks. I knew I had committed to going to the two guys I prayed with the week before. Why did it look gloomy most of the day? Why did rain appear to be a sure thing? Surely they would understand if I bailed or even worse; just didnt show. Besides, they probably wont be there anyway if they even remember me. These were the thoughts that taunted my mind all day. It had been a long work day and yes, "home" sounded pretty good to me. But maybe that was just it. The bridge or the tnets of Tent City were home to someone. Realizing that some of these folks actually walked a couple of miles just to be there knowing it would be dark when they walked back was humbling. Who was I to make an excuse of being tired or wanting to be warm and relaxed. As the evening kicked off, the singers piped out their voices as the warm food crawled into the stomachs of the listeners, making comfort for the message to come. It is hard to guess which was the dessert or the main dish; everyone had different needs. One thing was for sure, noone would leave hungry either physically or spiritually. As I listened to the soul-stirring songs I couldnt help but notice the sound of the cars and trucks going by overhead. I wondered how ironic it was that people on their way somewhere were driving over people on their way somewhere beneath them. A bridge is always required to join to estranged locations. The good news tells of Christ being that bridge between God and man; but you already know that.

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As it turns out, one of my guys did come. Perry made it back and had good news to tell. I watched the hope flicker in his eyes as the chilly wind glazed our faces. I listened to how the progress of our week apart had unfolded. Indeed, he was quite hopeful and the news sounded very promising. In fact, he had shared his news with others who had confirmed that he wasnt dreaming...this really was good news. His friend that didnt make it had also sent words with him of good developments. I was happy to see them at least looking and considering a new direction and poise. I met another guy from North Carolina who now lives in the projects. We chatted on for 30 minutes. I noticed that some were receiving prayers and it had been apparent that he knew his scripture pretty well. I asked him what he wanted. He replied he didnt know. I responded with "then you wont miss it when you dont have it." We chuckled. I looked deep into him and asked again with, "your intelligence tells me that you DO know what you want and you know what the scriptures say of two agreeing on something in the spirit." I watched him flinch with a slight laugh. Yes, he softly replied, I want to be married again with a nice house and maybe a kid." We laughed together through the wind and tears, agreeing that this was quite possible. He replied that he believed but I retorted Faith without works is dead; you must act! Start small, build your momentum and you will go faaarrrr grasshopper," as I he smiled at my Karate Kid pose.



It was a tremendously powerful evening, packed with friends, family and fellowship. Cool doesn't even begin to describe it all. I cant even convey all the surprises of the evening. The coolest part is how things that seem perfectly incidental to us are all a part of the big plan masterfully crafted by one far greater than we. Blog BONUS: I found this site while seaching for information and pics of Nashville's Homeless. Its very well done.

Jesus Under A Bridge!

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The WORD has the power to transform under any circumstances..."


Adventure is not hard to find if you're willing to follow the road less taken. Last night was one of those nites to remember. I promised a scoop of our "Bridge Experience" and I wont make this blog long enuf to really do justice. I really hope this doesnt sound hockey; but it was a nite of unparalelled wow! Yes, it was chilly. Yes, it was beneath a bridge outside. Yes, it was raw and completely engaging. Even as a typical skeptic or reservist; I was easily swept away with the passion of the organizers. That tidal wave was dwarfed by the no-holds-barred honesty of the message that ripped wounds into the souls of men/women and refilled crushed lives with hope. It was more than a "we want to help" message; it was a "you gotta make some "different choices for different results" message that encouraged becoming empowered. It was haunting to listen to the power of a simple but direct message echoing off the unflinching steel and concrete piercing the souls that lay desperate before the "good news". This message came AFTER everyone had been fed with a generous plate of food; even one pet dog. Clothes were distributed and a bicycle and tent given away. Amidst being introduced to folks, my eyes rarely left the people before me. In my mind, I thanked God that I were not they; knowing that most of America is one paycheck from homelessness. I saw couples and families begin to smile at one less night without a meal and a smile in the safety of a bridge ministry. I found myself occassionally forcing my eyes not to look too deep into the despair I saw staring back at me. I KNEW I was no better than they and it could have just as easily been me...but this is so NOT about me.


The Bridge Ministry actively engages a severe need in American society we so easily step over or shurk off with some snide remark. Much like 911 proved; security is at best an illusion; safety but a dream — who BUT Jesus could offer a better deal. I remembered stories in the Bible where Jesus was often greeted with huge crowds in need. Some would argue that if any of that "stuff" were real; then 911, Katrina, child abuse and homeless people would never happen. I can remember praying for my dying mother wondering where was He. I was certainly sincere! I also know that a Lord doesnt answer to a servant; the answer was apparently beyond my "need-to-know." I cannot see the air; but I know its there; I was willing to go without all the answers. I watched the ministry below the bridge swell with faith as smiles and tears danced in place of each other before the altar call. A mass rose and came toward us. Everyone had different needs and different demons; just like we all do. Once upon a time I prayed because tradition and raising said so; now its only because I EXPECT something to happen. I knew I was where I was supposed to be at that moment in time. I told them that as we agreed to pray together. I wanted to hear what they were already thankful for and what they wanted. I also told them I wanted to hear the stories of what happened when I saw them again because I did EXPECT something to happen. The shorter man probably late 50s raised his steel grey eyes dripping with tears asking if I would be back to hear the story. I paused validating the truth within myself as I replied yes. I had no intention of just giving an answer I didnt mean. It was intense. I do not know how you get attached to hearts so quickly and look for new depths of love beyond your awareness; but I know somehow Jesus makes all things new and possible. I have NEVER been disappointed when He shows up; especially when I certainly am not so perfect or dilligent is searching for His secrets and conversation.



I would have thought that the constant frigid breeze with an occassional dust particle would have distracted me. I would have thought that the folding chair beneath me would have become stone. I would have thought I would have been more concerned about our safety and common sense as I stared into the eyes and even the abyss of need that lay sprawled before eyes already weary from a long day in front of a computer screen. I would have planned on an occassional smile out of only politeness. I met my friend Earl while shopping for a house. In the process I located a home and a friend helping other friends. I cannot say what such an experience equals in words; you would have to experience for yourself.



The Bridge Ministry meets every Tuesday nite at 6pm under the bridge by the Stockyard. Discover your depths and help others soar by sharing your precious time, smiles and love. You REALLY will be blessed and a blessing. WOW! As I reread this I realize it doesnt even come close to what I have to say about the experience. WOW!

Jesus, Fallon and Easter Birthdays

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Its Tuesday and its gonna be another exciting week of strangenesses....but I kinda like that. I have been on hiatus for a week to let my tiny brain rest and focus on other things. It was a great weekend! So here's a short recap. Friday nite we celebrated Cass' 40th birthday at Zanies. The headliner was great and very funny; but the surprise guest was Jimmy Fallon from Saturday Nite Live, which made the night even better. Tom was laid back in the cut and we all enjoyed food, friendship and laughs. Saturday was a blur other than great quality time with sweetie and a killer workout that I am just now beginning to have soreness relief. Sunday, of course was Easter. We watched a tremendous program at church and had a great meal with the kids. No holiday is complete without gummy bears! Even the meal was non traditional....italian chicken spaggetti with green beans, mashed potatoes, blueberry muffins, corn and portebello mushrooms. Ahhh....I gotta get back to the gym.

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So here we are at Tuesday. Tonite should be very interesting. In our house-hunting antics, we encountered some ministry folks who have night service under the bridge in downtown Nashville. Of course, that raised an eyebrow and I inquired for more details. "They weren't looking for voyeurs, there will be things to do," the slender but happy man replied while smiling from the side of his mouth. "Good," I retorted with my own smirk, "that sounds real to me. I'm in." I was told to be prepared for anything; miracles, drunks and wonder! Dress down and prepare to serve and share...what a cutline. Anyway, I am sure it will be food for a note-worthy blog later. I did find this great blog on Nashville Under the Bridge, I think.

I have always noted that Jesus didnt spend his time on a padded pew, accompanied by "church people" or locked int he confines of what is considered "traditional Christianity;" a term that has come to mean so many things these days. I prefer the path least taken. If possible, I don't want to walk; I'd rather be up there in the wild blue yonder where there are less limits and no walls and miracles are commonplace. I have known those who have claimed to see or have seen demons; its not that I dont believe them; but I want to see it with my own eyes. I want to be in the action and authority of the moment; not just on the sidelines in the jersey. I'll show you my scars after I wash off the mud and grass and blood from battle. The bottomline: if you think its bad when Bruce Banner gets angry; imagine Jesus.

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