In my new work, at CFUM, addressing food insecurity, focused on children and families in Des Moines, Iowa, I have 4 distinct advantages in serving CFUM kids, families and guests.
Even last night, as I received a call from a single mom with 4 little girls under the age of 7, living in her car in LA, my advantages caused me to relentlessly work to get them safe inside, somewhere, and with the help of a former teammate and friend, she and her precious daughters are safe and sound today at a beautiful place. These are my advantages.
1. My upbringing and respect of the Bible, particularly, the book of Job. Job is a literary classic, of a man who had everything, lost everything, found his way back, and gained even more. My classmates were required to read the book of Job for 12th Grade English. I believe it was Hoover High School but it could have been at Adel High School? I’ll have to check with my classmates at next reunion.
This part of the story shows, when Job was at his best, he was deeply caring for hungry struggling people, and was extremely blessed; if you’d like to read that story, here is where you can find it: https://bible.com/bible/59/job.29.2-17.ESV
My favorite parts are the mention of Job’s being a father to the fatherless, and knocking the prey out of the predators mouth. Actively caring for all who came his way, and taking on the predators.
His actions have been an example for my life. All my life.
2. My sickness, weakness, and total dependence on God & others
When my dear Dr. Gangeness, with tears in his eye, lovingly told my mom, nearly 53 years ago, I had come down with Type 1 Diabetes, and would only survive about 25 more years, I believed it would be a great detriment to me and my life. Type 1 Diabetes has indeed been a detriment to my life, especially my physical body, or what is left of it, but it has also been one of my greatest advantages. This post feels relatable;
Though I tried the denial route, the overcoming route, the healing path, and all, I’ve finally embraced reality and know TYPE 1 Diabetes has given me a distinct advantage in caring for others who are suffering.
I would never wish Type 1 Diabetes on anyone else, especially my 5 year old-granddaughter, Isla, who was recently diagnosed with Type 1, but it has been good for my soul.
Like the famous Apostle Paul, I can say;
I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
3. Losing my legs and being in a wheelchair gave me a distinct advantage on the streets of Skid Row. In 2014 I came in contact with human waste on the streets while handing out 2000 bottles of cold water on the streets of Skid Row in LA while wearing a wound boot. Here is a news story; https://www.laweekly.com/andy-bales-lost-his-leg-walking-the-streets-of-skid-row-he-gained-something-in-return/
This paragraph sums it up; Losing my leg not only was a wake up call to public officials, but it gave me another advantage;
“They used to think I was a police officer,” Bales says. “They used to say, ‘Officer walking!’ when I would walk around. And now they know I’m not an officer, I’m not intimidating, and they just welcome me and fist-bump me.”
He says he considers his disability a secret weapon, one that allows him “to communicate with people without any barrier.”
“They know my story,” he says. “I am one of them.”
4. Also related, I have a new condition, EPI, a shortage of enzymes to digest the limited foods I can eat, which can lead to malnutrition and has me at my freshman in high school wrestling weight, and always hungry, which is an advantage in CFUM.org’ s ability to understand and efforts to address food insecurity, especially among children.
In conclusion, these experiences have helped me understand better the suffering of others, and take immediate action to remedy their situation, always with the help of others, as on my own, I am not capable to do much.
“Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health.”
Psalm 41:1-3 ESV