To Be So Bold by Karen
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| The Oxford dictionary defines vigilant as keeping careful watch. Synonyms include watchful, be on the lookout, observant, and sharp-eyed. |
We invited Franklin to sit down with us as we waited. As we began talking we learned that his dad abandoned him at the age of 10 shortly after his mom's death. On his way out of town, Franklin's dad lightheartedly suggested that somehow everything would work out, but Franklin wasn't so sure. He was alone, scared, angry, and confused; he had no place to live and no legitimate way to earn money. He didn't want to steal from anyone, but what else could a little boy do? He wracked his brain and finally got the idea that maybe the kids in the neighborhood would pay him to beat up their enemies, which they did. He had money enough to buy food until, of course, his reputation got so bad that even the trouble-makers avoided him. He packed up the few belongings that he had and headed to the next town. When he had overstayed his welcome there, he packed up again and moved on. For eight years he wandered the streets. As he was recounting his past, he shamefully admitted that during this time there wasn't anything that he wasn't willing to do to earn the money he needed to survive. At 18, Franklin found himself in a community of Christians who seemed to care about him, his soul, and his salvation, but why? It didn't make sense. He said that they persistently invited him to church and went out of their way to share scripture with him until he finally gave in and attended one of their services. As he recalled the significant milestones of his conversion story his eyes filled with tears. Now, Franklin spends his time professing the Good News to anyone willing to listen. On this particular day, we were blessed to hear one of his impromptu raps which express his love for Jesus and his profound gratitude for all the Lord has done for him.
Unlike the shop employees who were annoyed by Franklin's presence, I was grateful for our encounter because it really challenged me. I pray for the courage to be so bold, to proclaim my love for Jesus shamelessly to everyone I meet. I pray that, like Franklin, I will be humble enough to use the skills and talents that I've been given for the greater glory of God. I also pray that you're inspired to step outside of your comfort zone, if even only a little bit, for Jesus.
Following is a video clip of Franklin singing. We've done our best to transcribe the first minute or so of the Spanish and then translated it into English so that you could better understand his message. There are a couple places that I inserted question marks to indicate that we couldn't understand what he was saying, but I don't think that will keep you from understanding his sentiments.
I hope you enjoy it! Please say a prayer for Franklin. In HIM, Karen
[He starts with an introduction, dedicating his rap to Chris and me, as well as some close friends.]
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Thank you and may God bless you and all those
