To the person who feels unworthy,
When I came to Christ in the City, I was broken. Wounded. I didn’t believe that I was lovable, good, or worth it. In some ways, I was very similar to those that I would meet on the streets.
Over the last two years, I’ve been opened to receive joy, love, and mercy again. I’ve been shown again and again that I am worth it, that I am good, and that I am lovable. Over and over again, Jesus has leaned in close, called my attention to his gaze – that intense look fixed on my own eyes – and repeated again and again, “André, I love you.”
Thank you, Jesus.
My time at CIC has been a small share of the Resurrection. Far from easy, far from perfect, I’ve learned to see my wounds like those that Jesus bears in His resurrected body. I’ve learned to see my goodness even in the midst of my weakness. I’ve learned to look at moments of fragility and brokenness as the privileged places where the Lord comes to meet me in mercy and love.
Even through all the many challenges and sufferings, Jesus has been oh so faithful, present, and good. Even in the midst of the dark nights, He’s been there the whole time. He led me through the Red Sea; He sustained me through the exile; He’s kept pursuing, calling, and chasing. Alleluia.
I’m grateful for being loved back to life.
I’m grateful for being loved into my share of the Resurrection.
I’m grateful for being loved into this new life of freedom.
Thank you, Jesus.
Life with Christ is an amazing adventure: filled with suffering, heartache, and challenge, yes, but also filled with intense peace, pervasive joy, and overwhelming freedom.
I didn’t know it was possible.
When I came to Christ in the City, I had just about given up on the possibility of experiencing any of this; it couldn’t be for me. I’m happy to have been wrong. For the first time in a long time, I can hear Jesus tell me again, “André, I love you” and actually believe it.
I want that for you.
Follow Jesus. It is supremely worth it.
With love, gratitude, and the promise of prayer,
André
André is finishing his second missionary year with CIC. Hailing from the Great East Coast (Bridgeport, CT), he enjoys tea, puns, and photography.
Andre – What a powerful statement. What you describe is true for all of us – we are all broken its just that some of us realize it more than others! Our vocation to love within the situations that we find ourselves, whether it’s serving the poor on the streets or the poor within our own homes, is our path to holiness. Thank you for your witness and for sharing a bit about your journey. God bless your work!
amen! I find this post to be very true. this is not the easy life but given the alternatives it is “the good life”. it is a better way. thank you for serving and for posting. What you all do is a service to all of us!
Congrats to André and CIC 2 thumbs up.
Stay close to our Mother as you travel onwards.
Love you André thanks for who you are and all you do!
Andre,
Your story is what many need to hear. Thank you for sharing it. Now that you’ve found what makes you whole
and happy May you continue on your journey with Jesus..
Thank you for your service to our people on the streets.
Dear Andre,
It is so good to hear how you have evolved into a young man who has grown into the love of Christ…it was always there. So many of us are vulnerable and insecure, The love of Christ is “the hand in the glove” that enables us to do…anything. He enables us to be the best we can. “With You I am so much. Without you I am nothing..”
So good to see your smiling face. Tske care
God hold you in the palm of His hand…always!
Maggie Pierce