Who Should We Invite to Our Homes?

God is constantly revealing to me that I have so much to learn…from His word, and from my friends. 

I have a dear friend that I have had the pleasure of being in a relationship with since she attended Jobs for Life class. We often ride to church together, and last week as I asked her what she was cooking for Sunday dinner. She named off the usual big “Southern Sunday Dinner” that had my mouth watering. My friend told me that she was making plates for a few homeless men that hang around her apartment complex. I immediately went into a mode of “listen to me, I know best.” I encouraged her to not let strange people into her house, to be careful, and to take their plates outside. Her response to me was “of course I am letting them in—why wouldn't I?” As we were both thinking the other was crazy, I went home and contemplated her words. After much thought, I still thought that she was being careless and not thinking of her own safety. I felt like she needed to listen to me and if she didn't, she was headed for trouble. 

As I was going about my week in my self-righteous thoughts, our staff came together for a time of worship and to delve into scripture together. I was immediately faced with Isaiah 58:7, 

“Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?” 

Wow, was I ever convicted. God is leading me to repent  for things I hadn't even realized held me in bondage for so many years. Just when I felt as if I was trudging through life, cultivating relationships by inviting MY FRIENDS into my home, He is showing me that I need to throw away my “A-List Party Invitations” and welcome others to my home and table. How long is it going to take for me to learn how to die to self and live by scripture? A foundational teaching of Scripture is that it is possible to be completely changed through transformed thought patterns. I am choosing to view this circumstance as a call to action. I challenge myself to come out of my comfort zone, trust in God and live as Scripture says I should live--by continuing to journey through imperfect progress. I am so touched by  my relationship with my friend; I continue to learn from her wisdom and her love for me and others. 

Editors's note: The above is written by Cindy Chapple, Jobs for Life grad and admin assistant at Advance Memphis. I think you'll enjoy knowing that shortly after writing this, the below scene occurred in Cindy's living room: a house FULL of people, sharing a meal together. What steps can we take today to live out the truth of Isaiah 58:7?

A Letter from Phyllis

Phyllis, pictured front right, graduated from Jobs for Life
in December, 2011, and now works at Poplar Point
Health and Rehabilitation.

To my Advance Memphis Family and Overcoming Through Christ group,

First, I want to give honor to God and then to you for helping me make a change in my life. Before I came to Advance Memphis, I knew nothing about God’s unconditional love, faith, hope and the encouragement everyone here has given me. I felt at my age, life was over for me. Who would hire me? And who would love me? 

This school has taught me that I've always been loved by God and there is nothing he won’t do for his children. He knew what I needed, that’s why he sent me to Advance. To me you are all Angels sent by God. I just want you to know (teachers and staff) that I am so grateful to you for not giving up on me, also for your teachings and uplifting words. Now I know my past doesn't define who I am. I now have a full time job and benefits!! The courses I took help me to have confidence on my job and to get along well with my co-workers. I've also been getting complimented on my work by my supervisor and the administrator of the facility thanking ME!! for being a part of their family. 

I pray everyday that God will expand this school building [Advance Memphis] because there are so many of me still out there needing your love and encouragement. Even though my off days prevent me from attending my community groups and church the way I want, I wake up every morning with prayer and the reading of God’s word. When I come home I thank God for everything he’s doing in my life. I sit and read and pray because that’s what keeps my battery charged! 

To God we give the Glory,

Phyllis

P.S. Love you and miss you all.