The Gainesville Open Street was successful on Sunday. I had a booth for my Ambit Energy, but I had fun teaching the kids about planting seeds/bulbs as well displaying literture from the church. The next one I want a white canopy with clear sidings and have shining lights. We will not only sell energy but be a light on to the world. The wind was a night mare. it took me forever to set up due to the wind and I felt like an idiot while trying to set up and took longer than expected.
By Sunday evening I had learned that my stepdad, Dominic, had passed away from an apparent heart attack. I was shock and sad to hear this. This was the man that had murdered my mother and got away with it by claiming insanity and only spent 3 years in a mental hospital. After he got out, he got caught selling drugs and got thrown into jail. To me at the time did not make sense at all. But now as my life has changed, I saw what God was doing in Dominic's life and although this man went through so much hell, some how God changed him, healed him and used him as His servant to spread God's love. Some how in my young life, I also forgave him.
I knew this in my heart even after years my ego and naievenss (ok is that a word?) I still held a grudge against him. In fact, several years ago, while leaving from a treatment program passing through Ft. Lauderdale, I stopped by to see Aunt Minnie and Dominic but with intention to kill them. I was so angry at the time at them due to my mothers death. I think because during my treatment I was dealing of my loss to my mother so that anger was there. its nothing I am proud of or ponder on but the thought was there. I left their home after a delicious dinner with a different attitude. God was beginning to open my heart, my mind and my soul and to see it differently. He was healing me and changing me. My mind had to open and have a different perspective.
Soon before Aunt Minnie passed, she was in a nursing home. I didn't know this and Timothy and I stopped by to visit, Dominic boasted about how he no longer was a Christian and he no longer was a God. I told him that was nothing to boast about. But at the same time he was passing out his Christian literture. (Aunt Minnie is Dominic's mother, and my half brother, Danny's, grandmother.) Tim and I was able to visit Aunt Minnnie in the nursing home, which Uncle Joe showed up with cousin Angie and my brother Danny showed up and then his father,Dominic. These were our Ft. Lauderdale family as children and friends as adults.
When Aunt Minnie passed,Dominic tried to give me all his money. He felt bad about Timothy who was, of course, in a power wheel chair with his muscular dystrophy and was laying on Joe's bed enjoying Joe's pet pig. (yes you heard right). I gave the money back to my brother to give back to his dad. Although I appreciate what the intention was, at the time I felt the he needed it more than Tim & I did.
Tomorrow is Dominic's funeral. I am now here in Ft. Lauderdale with my sisters to show support more for my brother,Danny. Its not that we are not sad about Dominic's loss, which we are, but Danny IS our brother no matter what and we will be there for him.
It is hard to believe that the time has come to close his life. The end has come on earth, but the new has began for Dominic above. while here on earth, God used him in so many different ways as His servants to share the love of God and he had to go through a lot of tough times to get where he was at. God needs him in other areas so his time on earth has ended. By being here today, it is also bring closure for me- forgiveness and most of all- healing. A time to change, a time to heal.
The Chris Tomilin concert was awesome!! And a blessing. What a powerful call to God's love, acceptance and forgiveness. It was so worth going too. Enjoyed the company of the church family too even if most of us was seated in different areas of the stadium. lol But we all worshiped our wonderful God together. There were hundreds of Christians worshiping, singing and sharing His presence together. Can you imagine what it would be like when we all get to heaven. There will be over millions and millions and the voices, the singing will be beyond the joy we hear on earth.
Love Ran Red - God's love for us that Jesus blood ran down to wash us from our sins.
Good bye Dominic- until we meet by Jesus feet in the glorious heavens above. I have forgiven you ..and your work on earth is now done. Be at peace with Him.
God speed.
No comments:
Post a Comment