The Man in the Parking Lot

At last! The skyline of Dallas is in my eyesight and this long and very tiring road of I 20 has presented its rewards with putting the past of the challenging and sometimes rewarding days of the ATL. Hotlanta presented many opportunities, but this move was long overdue, and my life needed to give way to a new chapter. Didn't really know what to expect. New city, new chance and new things to accomplish; but most importantly, I was taking the same God with me the one I got to know in Atlanta.

Life could not be clearer, in the mist of all of my so-called troubles; Cruise control gave up on me just before 635, and the Silver Skunk (my 1996 GMC Jimmy) was on its last leg as my new journey to Dallas had not seen the opening act and as little, I known life for me was starting to take a positive change. It was funny to me at the time because I had exactly what I needed. My friend Raymond gave me an odd amount of money and said this was a loan he was paying back to me, which I didn't remember. I think it was his way to give me something to get me down the road. Nothing more important in this world to see a friend, who was once in a common struggle, survive that struggle and continue to grow in manhood.

My first night in Dallas was spent in my car. I somehow missed communication with my friend who told me to give Dallas a try, but I didn't know his exact location. Somehow, our communication got tied up and that was my first night in Dallas. The very next morning, I settled with my friend and started to plan my day. Here I am, new city and new life, but remembering to put my faith first by stopping by the local church to get connected to the community. With the Silver Skunk on her last leg, but still serving me justice, I made way to the church with thoughts of connecting with a local realtor. A permanent place was the plan and needed a trustworthy relator to help me out. As soon as I pulled into a parking space, there was this older gentleman walking in the building. I quickly caught his attention and introduced myself from the church in Atlanta, GA and mentioned that I was looking for a realtor. He then asked did I have a place to live to make sure that I wasn't homeless. I thought what a wonderful gesture and his concern was refreshing to me. Having to run around and trying to make connections all morning, my nose quickly reminded me that my stomach needed quick attention. Without thought or hesitation, two of my major senses started to concentrate on the Styrofoam container he was holding. Then a quick thought entered my mind that it was obvious that he wasn't going to ask me if I had anything to eat. Since he was so concerned about my housing situation, I was confused (not really) as to why he didn't ask about the needs of my nourishment. Ignoring his slight body movement to protect his lunch like a running-back on 3rd down and 2 as he noticed my focus on his lunch, he invited me in to take my personal information with efforts in connecting me with a realtor within the church community. As I stepped into his office and noticed the furnishings, I begun to think to myself and said in my head...."this is the main preacher!".

Before our meeting in the parking lot, I was unsure as to where to place my membership, but this event gave me clarity. Had nothing to do with the size of the church, or the makeup of the members. However, I saw the character in the man that I met in the parking lot and knew his gesture of kind hospitality was something that he was teaching to fellow members. Still had to get my own lunch that day, but I had confirmation as to where I needed to be as a member with my new adventure in Dallas, TX.

Life will always give you a toss and turn! However, try to stay connected to people who have a connection with great faith. The path was set in what I needed from Raymond before I left Atlanta, and the need was certain with what I needed to see in Bro. Gibbs when I arrived in Dallas. The answers and solutions to our problems way before we make our mistakes, lies with God. Moving to Dallas was no mistake by any chance. However, with all the planning I thought I did before the mid transcontinental move, God had already ordered my steps on both ends with two powerful men of God.