5 years, 11 months, and 25 days ago I started a blog to have some fun, reach out to people and entertain myself. Along the way I landed a blogging gig with ChicagoNow, and even got on the radio a few times. It's been a blast, and I can't thank you guys enough for reading, commenting and re-tweeting over the years..
Lately, though, I've felt something missing in my life. I began to realize that too much of my time and energy were being spent in what was, in effect, a rather shallow series of clown jokes, stories about weenie-wavers, and self-satisfied crowing about how much I ate and drank. I've also become less satisfied with my career as a law enforcement officer. For some time now I've spent hours thinking about how I could better live a life of service, compared to the well-paid and complacent civil servant's life I now lead.
I have wrestled with both demons and Lincoln's "better angels" of my nature. And I have made a decision. A trip down south affected me in a profound, and I hope lasting, way.
This is my last blog post.
I have taken a leave of absence from my job, pending my retirement. I have purchased a used Dodge minivan and converted it to a makeshift camper. I had hoped to buy a mobile home in which to travel the shining gospel way, but it didn't work out.
On Monday I will be driving south to New Orleans where I will be joining a recently-formed street ministry, the Good News Living Statue Ministry. I ran into some of these folks during a trip to New Orleans, as several of them acted out the Stations of the Cross around Jackson Square. As I stumbled out of a nearby daiquiri stand and crashed into one of the soldiers scourging the Christ, I felt a profound sense of disorientation and longing, and knew I'd been truly touched.
The GNLSM ministers mostly to gutter punks, street performers and tourists in the French Quarter. They do so mainly by acting out various Gospel passages while spray-painted gold or silver, in the manner of many New Orleans street performers. I was moved by the depth and intensity of their devotion to the Gospel, as well as to the art of living statue performance. They are truly Godly people, and other than a brief (but ugly) confrontation with a group of traveling Clowns for Christ, I have found them to be beyond reproach. I have signed on to act as a fry cook and go-fer for the troupe until I "learn the ropes" as a living statue and New Testament reenactor.
My beautiful wife and children, while not fully comprehending my decision, are nevertheless pretty much supportive of it. They will remain here performing earthly duties such as bill payment and home maintenance while I carry out God's work down south. They are my rock.
Please pray for me, as I will for all of you. God bless you all!
19 comments:
Bubs- godspeed. Or something like that. Street ministry.
So.
Totally.
You.
Okee dokee, onto the next thing.
Godspeed, Bubs. Godspeed.
Bless you and godspeed on your new journey. Your posts will be missed.
Thanks again for the inspiration to make the big change on my blog. As of today, it is now dedicated to the genius and wit of commentator Bill Reilly.
Yeah, and I'm changing my blog name from Dear Bastards to Dearest Boll, your online source for all you could ever want to know about the controversial German director of such modern horror classics as House Of The Dead, Alone In The Dark, and Bloodrayne.
Did you know that he will still fight his detractors at the drop of a hat, and that his favorite color is chartreuse?
Bub's is frying for the Lord now. Our loss is Jesus's gain.
If you are a really good and obedient little fry-cook will you one day get to reenact the crucifixion? I'll bet you'll look darling in silver spray paint.
God bless!
*Be careful with that metallic paint. I've heard it's hazardous to your health.*
God's gain is our loss. Truly.
God never did give nothing to the tin man, that he didn't didn't already have.
Why do all of you mock me?
I think that's a wise and noble decision.
I don't know what to say ...
Bubbsie, I have one question, when you're a bronzed warrior doing God's work, should a topless broad pass you by, are you allowed to show appreciation wood?
Godspeed.
For those of you who did not poke fun at my calling, thank you. The rest of you, I forgive.
For now I have decided to stay on my current path.
JG, the answer to your question is a big "YES", but you have to feel conflicted about it.
Beth, I understand your awe.
Lulu, thank you for being supportive.
Kim, please. That is silver or gold, NOT tin.
Dcup, thank you for your kind words.
Ten, thank you for your concern. I had resigned myself to bear the wheezing and hives of allergic reaction as penance for my wicked ways.
Grant, thank you! Someone who understands being driven by divine forces he can only dimly comprehend.
Barbara, by your use of the word "darling" I sense you're poking fun. I forgive you.
Kirby, I try to do my part. Thanks for the kind words.
Dear Bastards, I knew about the fighting but not the chartreuse. Wow.
Johnny...Johnny.
Splotchy, I had planned on you guys looking in on my bride while I was away. Thanks for your support.
Fran...I'm glad you get me.
Sweet Jesus that was a funny post. I nearly did something like it myself but after seeing yours I'm glad I didn't.
i am confused - if you do that where do I get my alligator updates from ?????
You're golden Bubs, like a fatted calf I shouldn't be idolizing.
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