Sometimes, however, something catches your eye just at the right time, and distracts you from the work.
On Wednesday, it was Calvin.
Calvin stopped to ask where we were from so I spent a little time learning more about Calvin and his story.
Calvin stayed in NOLA during Katrina. He said the water in that area rose 7 feet. He saw things that I can't imagine recovering from. He saw death. He saw destruction. He and his neighbors lost it all.
But you know what he didn't lose?
His faith.
Calvin is a man of God, and in every part of the conversation he weaved scripture. He was a walking representation of Matthew 6:19-21
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Calvin shared that his neighborhood, the 7th Ward, is riddled with evil. This week alone 2 people were killed right by our job site and 2 others were attacked and beaten.
Calvin, has experienced this violence, first hand. His daughter was shot in the head and killed. His son was robbed and murdered on his birthday.
If I was Calvin, I would be scared and angry, and filled with hate...but he wasn't.
He said, " Dani, Jesus teaches us to forgive. His final words were Father forgive them for they know not what they do. So I forgive, them because I know that it is not them, it's the evil they are filled with."
WOW...
Suddenly, all of those little things I can't get over seem ridiculous. Jesus teaches us to love in crazy ways.
I'm so blessed I ran into Calvin. I'll be unpacking this conversation for a LONG time.
