Yesterday I had the pleasure of entering deeply into South Philly culture. I went with a local South Philly Italian who invited me to lunch. We went to the Melrose Diner which has a reputation for being an old mafia hangout. In the 80s I believe a few guys were whacked there.
I was amazed at how everyone greeted each other at the diner. They would come in and say "Hey...How you doing?" with a strong South Philly Italian accent. I knew I had entered into another world. A guy came up to us and knew my friend from back in the day when my friend was involved in the mafia crime scene. My friend explained how this guy hung with mob bosses, yet was a good guy. He was a very nice man I must say. My friend made a distinction between nice good hearted gangsters and those that aren't. I've been familiar with this distinction before.
In our old apartment at 10th and Snyder in the 80s a boss by the name of Bruno was whacked stepping into his car. My adopted Italian grandmother land lady would speak of how kind he was to everyone. Apparently he was whacked because he didn't want to participate in the drug trade that was growing in the early 80s among the mob bosses. I knew the daughter of Bruno and she was really disturbed by his death. She never talked about it but it had been the defining moment of her life (they don't do a good job of showing this in the movies). His desk is still to this day set up exactly the way it was when he died.
Back to Melrose: We had a great lunch and my friend was very hospitable. He talked about the days of gambling, drug use, working with organized crime and how the Lord woke him up and he has never been the same.
Just an observation...I notice how many of the guys around here in the Italian community are named...Tony, Joey, and Vinni. In the Irish community the name is Patrick.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Friday, June 25, 2010
Urban Memorials
If you drive or walk up 5th street on the way to our house, there are a number of urban memorials. In fact, if I did not understand the way South Philly streets worked I would be very nervous about the area we live in. Safety differs so drastically from street to street. I've seen side streets in "wealthy" and "safe" areas that are very dangerous, and streets like the one I live on, a "safer" street in a generally more dangerous area.
But anyway back to the memorials. If you come up 5th street, there is a good stack of stuffed animals in an empty lot. Ironically there is a recreational vehicle in that lot as well. I've never seen it move and I've never seen anyone come out of it. If you continue up the block a bit. You'll see a picture of a girl on a telephone pole, smiling. She looks like she is in middle school. Its probably more elaborate than most memorials, and I've been told about her story. She was innocent, a bystander. Most of the deaths have some sort of reason behind it. The people were involved in some sort illegal activity and paid for it with their life. But there are the cases like recently in Chester, a city south of Philadelphia, where a two year old was killed by a stray bullet in the head while he was playing inside. Or a couple years ago an immigrant father was killed coming out in the morning around the corner some where on 5th street.
That girl's picture/portrait is starting to flake off. It won't last much longer.
There are also countless temporary or mobile memorials. You will see cars that have written the name and dates and RIP on the back windshield for a untimely death in the hood. Or perhaps a tee shirt with their picture, dates and RIP on it.
But anyway back to the memorials. If you come up 5th street, there is a good stack of stuffed animals in an empty lot. Ironically there is a recreational vehicle in that lot as well. I've never seen it move and I've never seen anyone come out of it. If you continue up the block a bit. You'll see a picture of a girl on a telephone pole, smiling. She looks like she is in middle school. Its probably more elaborate than most memorials, and I've been told about her story. She was innocent, a bystander. Most of the deaths have some sort of reason behind it. The people were involved in some sort illegal activity and paid for it with their life. But there are the cases like recently in Chester, a city south of Philadelphia, where a two year old was killed by a stray bullet in the head while he was playing inside. Or a couple years ago an immigrant father was killed coming out in the morning around the corner some where on 5th street.
That girl's picture/portrait is starting to flake off. It won't last much longer.
There are also countless temporary or mobile memorials. You will see cars that have written the name and dates and RIP on the back windshield for a untimely death in the hood. Or perhaps a tee shirt with their picture, dates and RIP on it.
Wax on the Pavement
Yesterday I took a group of high school and college students on a cheese-steak expedition through South Philly. After I had explained how quickly the neighborhoods change from safe to dangerous, we passed by a large park. I told them how safe the park was generally speaking. Though now as I remember it, I have heard of early morning assaults and robberies in the park.
As we passed on the south side we came to a corner where in the early spring there had been a group of middle school kids hanging around, weeping, playing music, and holding candles. It was one of these urban memorials, of which there are far too many just south of where I live. I debated in my mind, do I expose these students to the full reality of the city, or do I just let it pass. I normally, even if it freaks them out, tell outsiders about the full reality of the city.
So just as we stood on the spot I looked down and saw the candle wax baking in the 97 degree sun. It had melted. I explained that probably a middle school or high school kid, younger then any of them had been killed on the spot. I didn't really prepare them, just told them while they walked over the spot.
As we passed on the south side we came to a corner where in the early spring there had been a group of middle school kids hanging around, weeping, playing music, and holding candles. It was one of these urban memorials, of which there are far too many just south of where I live. I debated in my mind, do I expose these students to the full reality of the city, or do I just let it pass. I normally, even if it freaks them out, tell outsiders about the full reality of the city.
So just as we stood on the spot I looked down and saw the candle wax baking in the 97 degree sun. It had melted. I explained that probably a middle school or high school kid, younger then any of them had been killed on the spot. I didn't really prepare them, just told them while they walked over the spot.
Friday, February 5, 2010
One dead, one living and one living dead
I met a guy recently who had a powerful testimony.
He told me that God had rescued him out of a destructive lifestyle. He said that he was into drugs and all sorts of illegal activity. He had two friends. Once they were arguing over money and one friend pulled a gun out and shot the other friend and killed him. He told me its at that point he cried out to God and God responded and helped turn his life around. He keeps in contact with his friend who murdered the other guy and now is doing life in prison. He said without God he would have not known where he might have ended up.
He told me that God had rescued him out of a destructive lifestyle. He said that he was into drugs and all sorts of illegal activity. He had two friends. Once they were arguing over money and one friend pulled a gun out and shot the other friend and killed him. He told me its at that point he cried out to God and God responded and helped turn his life around. He keeps in contact with his friend who murdered the other guy and now is doing life in prison. He said without God he would have not known where he might have ended up.
Coming full circle, life out of death
There was an older lady that I and another pastor visited recently. I was amazed to watch her come to faith during our conversation with her. Her mother has been dedicated to praying for her for years. She has drowned year after year in drink. She spent parts of her life on the street. But yesterday, in a beaten down North Philly neighborhood, she declared Jesus was her Savior.
I first met her at a few church events. But I barely knew her. The first deeper interaction with her came when I heard she was in the hospital and was expected to die maybe about 6 months ago. Her organs were failing, and I was told that at any moment she could die. I went to the hospital not knowing what I'd find. Would she still be alive? I had heard she was unresponsive, so I expected that if she was still alive, at most I'd be able to hold her hand and pray for her, and read some scripture to her as she lay there. But when I got there she was awake and sitting up and talking. It was amazing. Our conversation consisted of us talking about how God had done this for her and it was a remarkable recovery.
I hadn't heard much from her in the coming months. She came out of the hospital and came to church a few times but often was in a bad state physically. Then I received a call last week. Facing her impending death, she wanted to know how to deal with it. And we explained the gospel to her and after answering some questions, I watched as she changed and from as far as I can see, she put her trust in Jesus.
I first met her at a few church events. But I barely knew her. The first deeper interaction with her came when I heard she was in the hospital and was expected to die maybe about 6 months ago. Her organs were failing, and I was told that at any moment she could die. I went to the hospital not knowing what I'd find. Would she still be alive? I had heard she was unresponsive, so I expected that if she was still alive, at most I'd be able to hold her hand and pray for her, and read some scripture to her as she lay there. But when I got there she was awake and sitting up and talking. It was amazing. Our conversation consisted of us talking about how God had done this for her and it was a remarkable recovery.
I hadn't heard much from her in the coming months. She came out of the hospital and came to church a few times but often was in a bad state physically. Then I received a call last week. Facing her impending death, she wanted to know how to deal with it. And we explained the gospel to her and after answering some questions, I watched as she changed and from as far as I can see, she put her trust in Jesus.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Sermon from Funeral
This is the written part of the sermon. My disclaimer is that I usually preach something that is different when I preach.
Job 19:23-27
“What You Can Know Today- That Your Redeemer Lives”
When you face a situation like this, a baby, at about 3 and a half months old, the question screams to be answered, “Why?” Why has this happened to me? Why this child? Why now? Why gentle little Samiyah? It makes no sense. The question why mocks us. Why God why did this happen? Why her?
Death is never easy, but when it is a person who has lived a full life and grown old, it makes more sense. When it is someone who was driving drunk, or served as a soldier, then it makes more sense. There is some reasons behind deaths like these.
But when we look at little Samiyah, we can't find a shread. And the question why seems to mock us.
1]: The question Why (23-24)
Job was a man in the Bible who had it all. He had a large family. He had wealth. He had many servants. And he enjoyed good health. But all that fell apart in a short amount of time. His world was turned upside down in a way like some of your worlds have been turned upside down. The book of Job records these events but also the human attempt to answer the question why. Job did not know why it was all happening to him. He knew God was good and loving. He knew that God was sovereign. But did not understand why this had happened. He and his friends looked to answer the question why, and their explanations fell flat. Chapter after chapter they go back and forth.
Here Job says in verses 23-24. When we don't have our why answered we want to to be written forever. We want it written in stone...why! We at least want our question and anguish to stay there. My cry will be heard forever. It will echo in eternity. It will not be silenced if it is written on stone. Many of us want to stay here, with this question. But if we stay here we will never live life again, we will never hope again, we will only be left with the question why that mocks us.
Trans]: Job does not stay there...
2]: The one who knows the Why (25)
He moves on to verse 25. I know that my redeemer lives! I know there is one who is my advocate, the one who sees my anguish. I know there is one, my redeemer. We are not just left with the question why, but can know that there is one who knows. God. The question remains and we don't have a answer but we are called to look to the one who knows all the whys. I know that my redeemer lives. Verse 26. I will have my answer from God. We don't see it, the anguish is there but we can know the one who knows. Verse 27. He yearns to see God, to understand why this has all happened to him.
Trans]: But it may not help, knowing that God knows.
3]: You can know that today your redeemer lives
In fact, when there is so tragic a death like this God can seem so distant and cold for some. It is important to know what God did to rescue us from our tragic existence. Because the one thing that we learn from a death like this is that something horrible is wrong with the world. Any death tells us this but especially a death like this. But God's answer to the world being such a place that it is, is not to stand far away. He comes in Jesus the redeemer, our advocate, to suffer as one of us. He draws near to us. He tastes the injustice and brokenness of this world. He dies on the cross for our sin to repair our relationship with him. The world as it is is messed up. And we are part of that messed up world. We have sinned, and yet if you have turned to him and confessed yes i know I've rebelled and I need the slate wiped clean and need a new start with him, that is what Jesus does for you, when you trust him. Jesus went to the cross so we would not be left in despair or with our whys but would find peace with God. Then you can truly say, “I know that my redeemer lives.” He saves me, and gives me the strength to endure a tragedy like this. And I find that comfort in the Gospel, that he gave himself up for me.
Conclusion]:
If you are in Christ and found peace at the foot of the cross, then this is true for you these verses. At the end of all things Revelation 21:1-5, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He would was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new...'” If you are in Jesus, if he is your redeemer, if you say I know that my redeemer lives...then his promise to you is that one day the tears will be wiped away. Jesus went to the cross so that he would wipe away your tears. He went to the cross to end death or mourning. Don't you long for such a day? The day will come when the old order of things pass away and he makes everything new. He remains Just, he remains good, and if you can say, “I know my redeemer lives” he will wipe away your tears.
Job 19:23-27
“What You Can Know Today- That Your Redeemer Lives”
When you face a situation like this, a baby, at about 3 and a half months old, the question screams to be answered, “Why?” Why has this happened to me? Why this child? Why now? Why gentle little Samiyah? It makes no sense. The question why mocks us. Why God why did this happen? Why her?
Death is never easy, but when it is a person who has lived a full life and grown old, it makes more sense. When it is someone who was driving drunk, or served as a soldier, then it makes more sense. There is some reasons behind deaths like these.
But when we look at little Samiyah, we can't find a shread. And the question why seems to mock us.
1]: The question Why (23-24)
Job was a man in the Bible who had it all. He had a large family. He had wealth. He had many servants. And he enjoyed good health. But all that fell apart in a short amount of time. His world was turned upside down in a way like some of your worlds have been turned upside down. The book of Job records these events but also the human attempt to answer the question why. Job did not know why it was all happening to him. He knew God was good and loving. He knew that God was sovereign. But did not understand why this had happened. He and his friends looked to answer the question why, and their explanations fell flat. Chapter after chapter they go back and forth.
Here Job says in verses 23-24. When we don't have our why answered we want to to be written forever. We want it written in stone...why! We at least want our question and anguish to stay there. My cry will be heard forever. It will echo in eternity. It will not be silenced if it is written on stone. Many of us want to stay here, with this question. But if we stay here we will never live life again, we will never hope again, we will only be left with the question why that mocks us.
Trans]: Job does not stay there...
2]: The one who knows the Why (25)
He moves on to verse 25. I know that my redeemer lives! I know there is one who is my advocate, the one who sees my anguish. I know there is one, my redeemer. We are not just left with the question why, but can know that there is one who knows. God. The question remains and we don't have a answer but we are called to look to the one who knows all the whys. I know that my redeemer lives. Verse 26. I will have my answer from God. We don't see it, the anguish is there but we can know the one who knows. Verse 27. He yearns to see God, to understand why this has all happened to him.
Trans]: But it may not help, knowing that God knows.
3]: You can know that today your redeemer lives
In fact, when there is so tragic a death like this God can seem so distant and cold for some. It is important to know what God did to rescue us from our tragic existence. Because the one thing that we learn from a death like this is that something horrible is wrong with the world. Any death tells us this but especially a death like this. But God's answer to the world being such a place that it is, is not to stand far away. He comes in Jesus the redeemer, our advocate, to suffer as one of us. He draws near to us. He tastes the injustice and brokenness of this world. He dies on the cross for our sin to repair our relationship with him. The world as it is is messed up. And we are part of that messed up world. We have sinned, and yet if you have turned to him and confessed yes i know I've rebelled and I need the slate wiped clean and need a new start with him, that is what Jesus does for you, when you trust him. Jesus went to the cross so we would not be left in despair or with our whys but would find peace with God. Then you can truly say, “I know that my redeemer lives.” He saves me, and gives me the strength to endure a tragedy like this. And I find that comfort in the Gospel, that he gave himself up for me.
Conclusion]:
If you are in Christ and found peace at the foot of the cross, then this is true for you these verses. At the end of all things Revelation 21:1-5, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He would was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new...'” If you are in Jesus, if he is your redeemer, if you say I know that my redeemer lives...then his promise to you is that one day the tears will be wiped away. Jesus went to the cross so that he would wipe away your tears. He went to the cross to end death or mourning. Don't you long for such a day? The day will come when the old order of things pass away and he makes everything new. He remains Just, he remains good, and if you can say, “I know my redeemer lives” he will wipe away your tears.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
A tiny tiny coffin
Its a day after the funeral for the 3 month old baby. The tiny little coffin haunted my dreams last night and my thoughts today. It was so small. Only one person was needed to carry the coffin. It was white maybe a foot and a half by two feet.
It was an open casket. The baby looked like she was sleeping or not real. I couldn't look at her too long, nor did I want too. I thought of what it would be like to loose one of my own. Titus has been sick and I had a real fear last night, and held him extra close, because I now know that death comes for all ages.
The mother was hysterical. There was someone who needed to be carried in, and they placed into the nursery. It was a dreadful scene. The baby's older brother who may have been 2 or 3 was hysterical on his uncle's lap.
There was the contrasting messages in the funeral of hope in the gospel and a vague secular message that time heals all wounds. Either one could have their tears of this experience wiped away by Christ at the end of all things, or just kinda endure.
The grave site was a small shallow grave. The digger put the coffin single handed into the grave. Such a tiny little coffin. There were so many people at the grave, in fact there were many people at the service.
Now I'm left with images. That little coffin burned into my head. My heart breaking for this little one who had only begun to smile.
It was an open casket. The baby looked like she was sleeping or not real. I couldn't look at her too long, nor did I want too. I thought of what it would be like to loose one of my own. Titus has been sick and I had a real fear last night, and held him extra close, because I now know that death comes for all ages.
The mother was hysterical. There was someone who needed to be carried in, and they placed into the nursery. It was a dreadful scene. The baby's older brother who may have been 2 or 3 was hysterical on his uncle's lap.
There was the contrasting messages in the funeral of hope in the gospel and a vague secular message that time heals all wounds. Either one could have their tears of this experience wiped away by Christ at the end of all things, or just kinda endure.
The grave site was a small shallow grave. The digger put the coffin single handed into the grave. Such a tiny little coffin. There were so many people at the grave, in fact there were many people at the service.
Now I'm left with images. That little coffin burned into my head. My heart breaking for this little one who had only begun to smile.
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