Snowy Detroit

It snowed last week (like it has been doing every other day!)

I drove around Detroit, partaking in it's "winter wonderland". 

Click here to see my pictures of Snowy Detroit: Link to Snowy Detroit Gallery

In Memory of Peter Hartmann

I got a call last night from Marvin, a guy I used to work with at Gringer and Sons, the appliance store in NYC. 

A fellow coworker, Peter suddenly passed away. I would have said unexpectedly, but his lifestyle warranted an early end - it was just unknown as to when. You see, Peter was a drug addict. Peter probably didn't get an obituary or funeral, so I am writing this in remembrance of him.

Until I moved to NYC, I had never met a heroin addict at least not that I knew of and especially a functional one. Peter was my assistant manager. He was a patient guy, always helping me with my naive and stupid mistakes because I was new. He covered for everyone, taking the brunt and working hard to make sure the store was running smoothly. He was very good at what he did. 

One day, I noticed an odd look in his eye and a friend at work confided to me that Peter had a heroin problem. At first, I was in disbelief but later the slight warning signs started to appear. He would nod often, he always wore long sleeves - never showing his arms, he would spend a long time in the bathroom at the same times everyday and the list went on. I was shocked and grieved - my eyes were opened to a dark side of life and an everyday reality for some. 

Peter was an only child. His mother raised him with the assistance of his grandparents, because his biological father was a supposedly evil man in which she stayed away from. Not knowing his father and what knowledge he did have of his father left a big gaping hole in his life. A hole he unknowingly tried for years to fill. 

Peter had a common law wife of many years, Nancy. They did drugs together too. He and Nancy had a little girl, Melanie. Peter did everything in his power to be a good dad to his daughter. and was very involved in her life. He told me once, he was making up for the Dad he thought should have been there for him.

Peter's addiction worsened over the years that we worked together and it eventually took more and more control of his life. He started to slip and eventually fell. He was fired because of his sometimes erratic and irresponsible behavior. He had been with the company for many, many years.

There were times I wanted to tell him about the way out- Jesus Christ and eventually I did. I would pray for him often, even waking up in the middle of the night burdened for his soul.

Unfortunately, he found no way out and it eventually led to his death. 

On January 19th, Peter was found unconscious and later dead in his jail cell. 

He died alone.

There are many Peters in this world, whether we we realize it or not. 

Hurting with intense inner turmoil and pain, turning to a drug or another vice to mask the pain - only for the drug to take control and bring destruction.

Ask God to open your eyes to see what's around you. I don't know if I could have prevented Peter's untimely death, but I do think sometimes I wished I could've done more.

God might use you to reach out and prevent another "Peter" to spiral downward to ultimate destruction and death.

 

Birthdays...

For the first time in my life, I attempted to dodge my birthday. Yes. Pretend its not there - just another ordinary day. I guess now that I'm closer to 40 than ever, I don't want to think about getting older. 

Normally I broadcast my birthday to everyone who will listen.

I woke up this morning, made my usual big cup of coffee, sat down, turned on the computer and only to find I had 40 email messages! Yes, 40. Wow. Normally I'll have 10, half are spam or news updates. Most of them weren't... they were birthday greetings! Wow!!! They keep coming too.

I feel so loved. I can't believe that people even took the time to remember me. I guess I've been under the radar since my big move back to Michigan.

Thanks everyone. I sincerely appreciate it.

The Adventure Continues ...

Time has gone by quickly. It's already 2009. 

My new life in Detroit has started to come together.

The biggest breakthroughs are that I have a new job and a new church. 

I was hired by a large kitchen appliance company to be their field sales and marketing representative. It was a job that was created by the owner of the company as part of his marketing strategy vision several years ago and I just happened to be the person who had the right fit for the job. 

Coincidence? I don't think so. 

I'm convinced there in a bigger purpose, only God knows. I have been stretched in my abilities and faith like never before. The economic climate and conditions I'm working in are not the most optimistic. But I believe and know that God is able to do and accomplish the impossible - if we dare believe (and I am believing). My story is like Daniel. I have been put in a position that requires of me great skill and knowledge in terrible conditions and pessimism. In the end, God will reveal Himself as the impossible is accomplished - eyes will open like never before and it will be a miracle. I often find myself at the right place at the right time, talking to important people. I have had favor with almost everyone I meet. 

This is the next level for me personally in living for Christ and fulfilling my God given purpose. I don't see the entire picture and its difficult at times.  I ask for your prayers and will keep you updated. 

Truthfully, this is a frightening place to be and live - partially because of the economy and what is expected of me.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly 

above all that we ask or think, 

according to the power that works in us. 

Ephesians 3:20

Back?

I am often asked "why did you move back here?" and sometimes given funny looks when I tell people I live in the city of Detroit. 

I took a leap of faith - literally. Am I nuts? Probably so. 

Anybody who follows Christ can be looked at as nuts, especially by someone who is not a Christian. We're not living according to this world and all it has to offer but instead walking by faith.

If I didn't have the resolve and peace that I'm where I'm supposed to be, I wouldn't be able to stand and persevere.

Thank God for His peace. Do you have His resolve? Will you be able to persevere into God's promised land?

I am reminded ...

Be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Cor 15:58