I know I said I would talk about Billmon's post today -- but in reality I'll probably get to it tomorrow. Right now I want to share something personal with you all...all 10 of you that read this site...
For the past few months, I have been volunteering with
Pathways Homeless Shelter in Greensboro. We help to tutor the children of families that are staying at the shelter, and we also sometimes help folks who are studying for their GED.
That's how I met Jim.
Jim is both heartbreaking and a sucess story -- he grew up in the ghetto, never finished middle school, spent time dealing drugs and in prison. Now, he wants to get his GED in order to move on and make a better life for himself and his daughter Kia. I've only known this guy two days, and his dedication, his understanding of how important this is, is inspiring. Jim has his first test, in History and Social Studies, tomorrow at 10 AM.
I'm not sure if Jim is ready.
He's been working tirelessly for months -- taking two classes, recieving an hour and a half of extra help from tutors from Guilford College every night, etc. All while working a minimum wage job full time.
And so I am inspired, but I am also angry. I am angry that Jim has worked so hard and seems like such a good person, and yet he has not had all the support he should have from society. He deserves to pass this test -- so much of high school is just showing up, and Jim has committed to so much more than that. He talks of getting a real job, of going to college. I want, maybe more than anything else, for him to be able to do that.
So, be thinking of Jim tomorrow as he faces this test.
"Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.
Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.
My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.
The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity."
Psalms 5:1-6