What's Next!

Its time to move beyond where I've been and move forward to where I'm going!


I remember when thirty sounded old! Well time does slip away like the sands in an hour glass. I'm now retired and living a comfortable life between Florida and Minnesota. I planned years ago to retire young and I prayed that God would help me be a self supported missionary and I pray for God to use me each day for the rest of my life. To follow and be made uncomfortable!


My life's experience has taught me one thing, don't judge others for only God can really judge anyone! The struggles we each encounter can and at times do break us to the point of surrender and when we can't see where to go next, we need to be honest, and confess we've had enough and then, and only then can God shine a light of grace and forgiveness upon us. For on our own we are weak and we crumble when life's issues fall upon us. We can sink and try like hell to swim and stay afloat or we can quit fighting and grab the Lord's life vest and put it on! In my journey I've found that the most amazing spiritual people seem to be the one's who have suffered the most or confronted huge obstacles head on. Those who have stood at the doorstep of death and caught a glimpse of the next dimension. Like angels, they live among us touching everyone they come in contact with. Spreading Hope, Love, and Forgiveness! You never know when you may bump into one!


My travels and years looking out the windshield of the city bus has taught me one very important lesson about Christ and the Holy spirit. In my own way I believe Christ died a man but the spirit he left behind is more feminine than masculine! Many parts of our world are being torn apart by men and their flawed ideology's, theologies, IDIOTologies! The women are so often left to defend, comfort, support, their children and communities with determination and passion that brings tears to my eyes. I'm not saying all men are evil and all women are saints but if we look around the world at those who are causing torment and war and at those who are working to hold their families together its easy for me to see the good, the bad, and the ugly. In general women are better comforters, peace makers, gentler, and caring! Qualities found in the Holy Spirit! I found this to be true in my youth and while looking out the windshield of life!


What's next? I plan to keep moving on with my life and I look forward to trips to Mexico to visit and help friends, I'm working on becoming more involved with my friend's vision and ministry in Guatemala, I'll continue doing the Salt-Shaker meal every other month, I'm still training to help with the Red Cross, I'll spend time with Betty and mom in Florida as well as spending time in Minnesota with my kids and friends! I also would like to start up a small support fund to help mom's get out of abusive situations. A fund that can be available to help a woman pay rent, or bills, etc. I'm not sure how it will work but its something I want and need to do. The scars of abuse are passed on from generation to generation if women and kids remain in abuse with no hope of escape. My mom stayed way to long because there wasn't any help available. There are lots of programs now and many are wonderful, but some women are just scared and embarrassed to seek help. Could be a next door neighbor or a friend someone knows! Sometimes a hug, a tear, a little money can make all the difference.

To close this post I want to share my thoughts on religion. I've caused some to be angry and uncomfortable with my attack on what we call church. Pastors especially get defensive and I understand I'm a threat to their companies. Like the CEO of any corporation they have a lot at stake. That's the problem! The church is you, me, they, and anyone else who believes in a living God. It was never intended to be brought inside as a social gathering. The early church never had salaries, rent, lights, etc. The early church worked together to make a difference in the community outside their homes. They shared food, clothes, homes in order to shine a light into the world. The light can't shine if its under a basket or inside a building. What fun it would be to gather as family in Christ and enjoy a picnic in a park with food enough to share with whoever passes by. No Banners, No Preachers, No need to shine our light, God will be there to shine his/her own! Last thought, I quite going to Sunday morning services for one simple reason, I can't find a group who tries to reach out to those who are on the outskirts of our world. Christ came not for those inside the synagogues, but for those outside who were outcasts of their society. The same is still true today! So instead of socializing I go for walk and try to bring a smile, a word, and Love to all I meet! God will know his church not by what it says and preaches, but by who it helps and loves. The orphans and widows! There are many among us who are shunned and ignored and even locked behind closed doors. The church must respond!

Until another time! May Love & Blessings flow out from you! Darrell  "Hermano Joe"