My Friend Fred

So... It has been entirely TOO long since I've consistently blogged. The LORD has been truly faithful, and has been teaching me so much these past two years. One of those areas that He has been dealing with me in is TRUSTING Him in every single area of my life. One of the ways he has been teaching me is not only through circumstances, but through people.

About a year ago, my husband and I met a man named Fred. He is a 62 years old street evangelist in Atlanta, GA. And he is FAITH-FULL!! I mean, in the same spot, at the same time, every day, at probably the busiest train station in Atlanta, Five Points. What really captures not only my heart, but my admiration, is that he is homeless and blind. He has endured affliction after affliction, but has clung to the rock that is higher than him. Psalm 61:2 "From the end of the earth I call to you, when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I." ESV

Though he cannot see, he makes his way to the train station at about 8am everyday. The location is extremely noisy, but his voice projects over all that is going on, proclaiming the truth of God's word. It's not a ministry of condemnation, but reconciliation. His life--the way God has graced him to live it--has not taught me a message about how God will prosper me, but how even in the hard, troubling times, there is a JOY to be found in God. There is a peace and a confidence to know that even the bad times are meant for my good... internally and eternally. I have learned that sometimes, in order to live by faith, the pillars that I have so comfortably leaned on, (money, jobs, people) MUST be torn down to help me learn to depend on GOD. If we're honest with ourselves, our American culture, has taught many of us, how to depend on ourselves and our parents. It's not until life gets tumultuous that we have the opportunity to learn that God is our strong foundation and refuge. Money, jobs, people etc. are all just resources that the True Source supplies! When all the resources are gone God still has an abundance of peace, provision, and power. These earthly, temporary thing come and go, but God does NOT change. James 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift comes from above, coming from the Father of lights with whom there is NO variation or shadow due to change." ESV

I've often wondered how I would fair being homeless. Yet even without a home, Fred is a person who remains faithful in little, and my prayer is that God will soon allow him to be faithful over much. Consider my friend Fred the next time you have to drag yourself out of bed to get to work, at your next unexpected financial expense, or when any undesirable life circumstance comes up. He has truly learned how to be brought low, while finding contentment in God. He is an example to all of us that joy abounds in our fellowshipping with our Father. There is NOTHING too hard for God, and with Him, you CAN endure and do all things through Christ who is your strength. Philippians 4:11-13 "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."ESV

Please be praying for our friend Frederick Brice, as we help him embark on this journey of physical and financial restoration.

If you would like to learn a little more about Fred's life and want to be a part of his restoration, please visit his gofundme account. Here's the link: http://www.gofundme.com/7rgdj4

Here's a short video about Fred. I hope and pray that it blesses you! 

Love,

❤ Kamaria

You can't handle the truth..!!

I've found myself keeping it "real" with people lately. But now I'm seen as someone who is judgmental and thinks I'm better than everyone. Really?? So...would you rather me agree with you and your wrongdoings when me, as Christian, is trying to spit knowledge to you and open your eyes? When I tell you you're wrong for something and try to help you to change it, why would you get so offended? Because you know IT IS wrong but you don't want to stop living in sin? Because you know that what you're doing isn't for the glory of God? When you sin who are you serving? WHO wants you to sin? (The devil)--EXACTLY!! WHY justify your sin?? WHY make excuses? You're only hurting yourself in the end!

Proverbs 14:12-14 "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness." Proverbs 15: 10 "Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die." Romans 12:2 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of the mind that ye may prove what is good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." James 4:4 "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."

There are so many more CONVICTING scriptures man, if some of yall would just OPEN your heart and listen to what God is telling you! Man, God turned His back on His ONLY son because of SIN! Jesus suffered for my OUR sins! So we can be here TODAY and LIVE a life righteous and worthy of the gospel! And all I'm trying to do is tell my fellow brothers and sisters that some of the things you are doing.. is showing God that you hate Him. And it breaks His heart, it breaks my heart! Christianity is a brotherhood! I Peter 2:17 "Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king." When you get mad and begin to put me down, talk bad about me...it does hurt because I care about you and want to see YOU in heaven, but you are too busy wrapped in your own sin and lies that you can't even respect the Gospel..or give God the love He deserves.

Jesus is at your door right now. He wants you to open it and let him in! As I was downtown with a few of my friends last week, I walked past this alley and that's what this reminds of. A time in my life when I had my door shut, locked, bolted etc. I knew Jesus was outside, but man I was too busy inside enjoying the lusts of the world. Getting high, drunk, fornicating, lying, shacking up, disrespecting my parents...and the list goes on. But man, I stand before everyone TODAY, CHANGED! I am a testimony right now. God can change you if you let him! You can break away from the chains of sin. But it starts with giving your life to Him, letting go of sin, and getting into the Word of God. I Peter 1:14 "As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance." It requires a change of lifestyle, old habits, and renewing your mindset. And it's not easy! I'll be the first to tell you that. But it can be done. Everyday I strive to become a better Christian, and everyday I grow more in love with Him! He's the only man who has ever died for me! He's my OUR hero! Jesus has already shed his blood for the world man. He's already saved me, but now, you have to let Him save you.


With Love ❤ ,

Mari