I am the beggar.

Working in the inner city of Memphis, Tennessee, I am constantly reminded of the hope of the gospel. Without the victory completed by the cross, we are left in desperation for a deep hope that satisfies unlike anything in this world. The camp speaker last week spoke truth that kicked me in the chest by confronting me with where I have come from.

"Why does the bible continually command us to provide for the poor, tend to the widowed, and protect the weak? Because being with the poor is like holding a mirror up to our face. We need the poor to remind us of our utter depravity without Christ. We continually indulge in disastrous and selfish activities to make ourselves worth something, when without Christ, we are doomed. Jesus put to death what we are incapable of doing, and we can now claim citizenship with him."

Convicted of my pride, I now see clearly I am no different than those living here in the neighborhood of Binghampton. The only difference is that I have found The Hope, and I have found The Answer.

I am the orphan, but I have found my origin
I am the beggar, but I have found the food
I am the prostitute, but I have found my true love
I am the homeless, but I have found my place
I am the addict, but I have found my permanent fix
I am the broken, but I found the healer
I am the sick, but I have found the great Physician

I do not understand His forgiveness, nor can I comprehend His grace. I am certain I am undeserving, and certain that without him, I could be in the same position. He saved me from my sin; he rescued me from the pit of despair. Praise God, who has claimed me as his own! Praise God, who has healed my deepest wounds, and satisfied my deepest desires! I will not remain silent, no...I will not remain still.