I want to share the deep things in my life that stir my heart and revelations from Jesus that I think others may gain from. And maybe some vacuous things too...
I'm grateful that God has called me as a mother to many. Like any mom will tell you, it ain't easy. It's a tad crazy making if I was being brutally honest. But nothing is more fun and ultimately rewarding than walking alongside young people as a mother figure, surrogate mom or hood momma. It's the best job in the world.
I love Jesus and I truly appreciate my job as an urban missionary even though I deal with almost a hundred young men and women in various states of disarray. From drug addiction, hustling, court cases and jail stays to premarital sex, abortions and single motherhood, it's not a life that's easy to understand for many. And some days are just...gah. I get so exasperated and wonder if I've even made a dent in their lives with what seems like a pittance of love and prayer that I can offer.
Then I discovered Donny Hathaway's "Little Ghetto Boy" and its exhortation to kids trapped in the cycle of poverty. Although it was clearly written about African American kids in the ghetto circa 1970s, it is entirely relevant to my mostly African fugees in present day Canada.
Whenever I hear the ending with its simple refrain: "Everything has got to get better" it feels like he's singing to straight to my weary hood mama's heart. I rarely listen to this song without breaking down. It's become my jam on "those" days. And Sunday mornings. Or just about any time I need to be encouraged.
If you've never heard Donny Hathaway, get thee to a record store (or iTunes for all you youngsters) and have a listen to stellar tracks like "A Song for you" (one of the best love songs ever written), "Someday We'll All Be Free", "Young Gifted and Black", "I Love The Lord; He Heard Me Cry (Parts I & II)" and "The Ghetto". I can say with assurance you will not be disappointed.
Little ghetto boy , playing in the ghetto street Whatcha' gonna do when you grow up and have to face responsibility Will you spend your days and nights in the pool room Will you sell caps of madness to the neighborhood Little ghetto boy You already know how proud life can be 'Cause you've seen so much pain and misery Little ghetto boy Your daddy was blown away He robbed that grocery store Don't you know that was a sad, sad old day All your young life You've seen such misery and pain The world is a cruel place to live and it ain't gonna change You're so young You've got so far to go on and don't think you'll reach your goal Young man, little ghetto boy, look at you Little ghetto boy When, when, when you become a man You can make things change if you just take the stand You gotta believe it yourself in all you do You've gotta fight to make it better Then you will see how others will start believing too Then my son things will start to get better Everything has got to get better Everything has got to get better
If you're feeling charitable this Christmas and would like to help out some dear ones in my hood mom sphere, following are some ideas on how to make their season special.
A single mom/nursing student on a limited income who loves dance, but has never been to see the ballet. Perfect gift: a pair of tickets to any RWB production in the next year.
A young Sudanese man on bail who is living with me and working doing temp work, often outdoors. Needed: a good new or used winter work jacket or down parka size large and a pair of gloves.
A single mom of four young adult daughters who was defrauded in early December. With help from friends and her church, she is playing catch-up on rent and bills but she has no extra money to buy Christmas presents. Needed: A gift card from Shoppers Drug Mart (or any store within walking distance) where she can buy some small gifts for her daughters.
Me. I've had a catastrophic turn of events with both my work and home laptops, making it difficult to continue to write my book. Needed: I'm looking for a good used laptop, one that is portable and has decent battery life.
With much love, humility and gratitude,
Gaylene
Any questions, don't hesitate to contact me
204.786.2191
Email or iMessage: gaylenedempsey@yahoo.ca
TextMe: 204.813.8616
PS: What can I give you? Well I recommend watching The House Without a Christmas Tree, a tv movie from the 70s I just discovered which is lovely and touching.
Today I'm thankful that my Heavenly Papa has called me, of all people, to be a mother to many. It's an awe-inspiring picture of His redemptive restoration work in my life.
#WarOnGrumbling #HoodMom
Not a week goes by when I'm not astounded on some level at how God somehow trusts me to guide the lives of young people. Especially when you consider my past poor choices regarding the sanctity of life, it showcases the miraculous grace and mercy of Jesus personified and put in action. O how I love Him.
Here I am again. In the trenches fighting against offense, daily irritations and a million other things. Looks like it's time for another 40 Days of Thanksgiving aka the War on Grumbling. Last year, I gained massive perspective on my tendencies and kicked my prayer life into high gear and this year I am hoping for nothing less than encounter and breakthrough.
Here's the rules:
1. Do not grumble against God – repent when you do, thank Him
for who He is, what He does and what He Has done.
2. Do not grumble against
yourself - no negative speech about self or towards self and when you do
confess it and speak truth.
3. Do not grumble against others - confess it
when you do, and bless them despite what the reason is you are grumbling
against them.
4.
No policing one another. If someone does grumble encourage them by praying for
them.
5.
Post on social media daily what you are most grateful for. This can help keep
gratitude on the forefront of your mind as well as that of others who see what
you are grateful for.
So here I go...the first day with 39 more to go.
Day 1
I'm thankful the Lord has created me to be a safe place to fall for others. I've got a dear one in my spare room and another on the couch and my big momma's heart has never been so full. #WarOnGrumbling #HoodMom
