A preface: My dad really wanted this story to be about Gray House and the incredible work they do in the community - in fact, that's really the only reason he took me on the tour when I was back in Massachusetts earlier this month. But I heard a different story that needed to be told: the story of the transformative power of God. So I went with it. Here's a story about my dad, the man in the basement:
We stand in the basement of Gray House, a neighborhood assistance
center that provides food, clothing and educational outreach in the north end
of Springfield, Massachusetts, where metal bars cover shop windows and graffiti
is scrawled in wild loops across brick walls. “So this is where I spend my
mornings twice a week,” he says, gesturing to the racks hung with donated
clothes.
Initially my dad resisted the idea of pursuing a “personal
ministry,” even though it was a requirement for completing the 30-week
JustFaith program he’d enrolled in several months earlier. Like a lot of us,
he’d formed opinions over the years about assistance programs and the people
these programs support. “Social justice wasn’t my thing,” he says with a shrug.
“I didn’t get it.”
“I had to do something in order to complete the program, so
I figured delivering used clothes was good enough,” my dad tells me later, over
coffee. “That’s service, right? I thought dropping off clothes in trash bags
was service – pull in, drop off the stuff, I’m done.”
...The rest of my dad's story is over here...will you join me at the Journal Star? (because I'm so proud of him!)
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the circle of grace - just love that thought. Great story, Michelle and funny how God works - something we resist, don't want to do become a blessing not just for us but for others. Your dad reminded me of my FIL who worked inventory for a grocery chain for years and now does inventory for a hospital gift store. Thanks for sharing this uplifting story. Made me smile
I love this!! I love that he didn't want to talk about himself, only the ministry. And how he had unique gifts that were needed. And how people love him for it.
My husband works in a social justice type of job, and it can be very, very hard. Some people are difficult, but then, there are those grateful ones.
What a great service your father is providing to the community. I love that he is excited to show you around and seems to be truly getting so much out of the experience.
My father is retired military, as well, and I could totally see him just taking over the organization part of something like this. He just retired this year, and so far my mom keeps him too busy to do anything outside of their house.
My father-in-law works for a youth shelter, and I can't imagine him ever retiring. Even when he does retire, I bet he'll still be at the sanctuary doing some sort of maintenance or whatever needs to be done.
I just love this. "the circle of grace". What a beautiful story. So thankful for your Dad, for the way he demonstrates Christ.
Your dad is an amazing person, Michelle!
Thanks, Kris!
Sounds like you are surrounded by real good people, Tonya.
Truth be told, he was pretty irritated when I told him I wrote about him instead of the mission work. But you know...that's how I write...through story. And his story is a good one...especially as he's a latecomer to faith (like me) and plus, was bringing all sorts of stereotypes and preconceived notions to the table. Truly the work of the Holy Spirit, this kind of transformation.
It seems this is exactly how God works SO often, isn't it? I know that what I have resisted the most in my faith journey has VERY often turned out to be the most fruitful and transformative.
He's a pretty cool cat! ;)
Really love this. What a great story--both in the telling and in the tale.
Oh MIchelle, I loved this story and your Dad, bless his heart. I am so glad I still have my Dad and you have yours.....
I heart Buzz.
Love, love, love ~ this made me cry:) Pictures wonderful, as usual:)
This makes me cry too! What a lovely tribute to your Dad and the ministry of Gray House.
Sarah! I love you, girl! I've been thinking TONS about you lately...isn't that funny? I miss you!
Hugs, Mary. Thank you, Lovely.
Thank you, Leigh - and for your note on Facebook, too. You are so generous.
I'm so glad, too, Lori. You've made me remember that time is short...
Thank you, April. You are wonderfully sweet.
A great example. I hope to be a good example to my kids, more than anything else in this world. I want them to see Jesus in me
I LOVE meeting your dad here! I love his heart, Michelle. Like father, like daughter ...
Love you and thinking of you too! It's just about our 20-year anniversary...
This makes me love your dad even more! Tell Buzz hi for me. Love ya.
Hi Michelle...Am a day late in reading this post. I am deeply moved by your 'Dad story'. The pride and love you feel for him beams forth from your face! You look like him. This is really precious---what you have with your Dad. And I know you know that. How wonderful when older people find something to be involved in. Something that helps someone else. He sounds like a wonderful man and I am so glad I got to meet him today. May God continue to bless the good work of his hands at Grey House.