Hanging with George

Last night I had agreed to speak for an event in St. Pete with Central Christian Church called "May Day." It was a night of hope for the homeless and underpriviledged of the area.

The night was suppose to be this: Feed everyone who showed (hot dog, burger, chips, and drink)
Chris Cook led some worship/ did a mini worship concert
I spoke
Brian Larue gave direction and connected people
& Tons of volunteers form Central cooked, served, and hung with the crowds until 200+ were fed.

I walked into the park at the corner of 4th St and 2nd Ave. There were people everywhere from every walk of life. The event started and people showed up by the 10's and 20's.

Events like this either succeed or fall flat on their face. I was concerned as right in the middle of the park sat a heckler. He had been hollering things out all day as they set up, sound checked, and especially once we started.

My time came to walk to the stage and speak. I spoke from John 9 and talking about "Hope found in Jesus gives us hope to share with others." The talk was only about 15-20 minutes which is amazing in and of itself, but I could hear George hollering throughout my message. He was trying to get my attention and I knew my time was short.

I wrapped up my message and went straight into an extended prayer. (Hoping to get him to pause so I could finish everything I still needed to say.) I said amen and went to get off the stage and connect with the crowd.

"HEY!" I heard coming from the park heckler. "HEY COME HERE!" I walked to the edge of the stage to get down and started to say "Hi, my name is..." He said "I DON'T CARE WHO THE "#$@#" YOU ARE. I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW YOU ARE GOD'S MAN AND YOU ARE LOVED BY GOD!"

I was floored - not because of his smell of B.O. or alcohol and not even because of his intimidating presence. I was floored because the message he had for me, was exactly what I was trying to share with him. This 20 year Navy Vet and father of two said to me with an authenticty and genuiness - though completely unorthodox - a message of love from the most raw portions of his soul.

While I stood and spoke I wondered, "Am I making an impact. Is anyone really listening?" The question wasn't were they, but am I?

So George walked back to his bench and took a seat. I got down from the stage and walked right back to his bench and sat down. He smirked, handed me a hot dog, and for the next 20 minutes I listened to his story.

Thank you to Central in ST. Pete for sharing this experience with me.
Thank you George for being you and speaking to me.
Thank you God, for helping me realize my hope is in you so I can share this hope genuinely with others.