How do you count sin? Is one sin greater than another? Can sin be measured, and by whom?
The cover of the Philadelphia. Daily News upset me this afternoon, after coming out of church and hearing the gospel talk about “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29
It seems to me that is what some of these children of God have done. Whether you would like to imagine them as God’s children or not. They have gravitated to and found some modicum of safety as one person says “In God’s house”.
I am particularly drawn to Josh Green, who speaks so openly to the journalist.
Josh is on the Daily News cover dejected, maybe in the middle of a nod, perhaps feeling vulnerable after speaking with the reporter.

There is another picture featured in Philly.com. This one is really poignant, as Josh seems to ironically pose as Christ has been pictured as being crucified on the cross. Look at Josh, arms extended baring his needle pricked body for the world to see. This picture speaks to me of our broken humanity.

Before your wheels begin turning, let me state unequivocally that I do not condone drug use, especially opioids and heroin which among other things is the current scourge of this city. I don’t like it. I don’t condone it. But I love Josh and the other folks who braved telling a piece of their story, and how they ended up in the ruins of Ascension. I’m sure it’s been and is a horrible journey; one which began before the first needle punctured their veins.
My drug of choice 28 years ago was alcohol and then crack. I escaped that lifestyle with my life. No one wakes up one day and says : “hey! I think I will be a drug addict today”. The addiction goes so far beyond the drug. I remember the crack houses. Except in most cases, police vans rolled up and the doors were rammed in and all were hauled off to jail.
How appropriate for this church to be called the cathedral of Ascension? I pray that some rise up and out of their present situation. I pray they get some help.
Back to the cover of the Philadelphia Daily News:
What a sin
What sin do you write of?
Where is your humanity broken? What are you hiding?
Why are you judging?
I believe it is a sin that this building, so loved, so much a part of the community has been neglected for so long. Of course empty, unused buildings become refuges for those unwanted, unloved, children of God.
That is a sin to me. Now, listen to me judging…sigh.
I don’t know the real reason behind it’s emptiness.
In my dreams, I know this is an awesome opportunity for ministry. In my wildest dreams, wouldn’t it be wonderful for it to be “repurposed” into a federally funded rehab house?
There would be no need to change its name, simply call it Ascension…where folks rise up out of their addiction and become members of society again.
May God bless and keep you Josh. May you all not be shuffled off somewhere else, but may you all find the help you need.
It is possible. There is life after drugs.
#Recovery
#Opioids
#Addiction
#Heroin
http://www.freeaddictioncenters.com/city/pa-philadelphia
