Soul Train

I'm mourning the loss of my black Pilot BPS-GP fine pen. If anyone can track one down for me, I'd be willing to pay $5. Don't tempt me. I just might pay $10.

Give thanks, with a grateful heart
give thanks to the holy one

On the train ride to Dorchester this morning, a couple of guys entered with Bibles in their hand and started singing call and response. Jesus, one man would start, and Jesus, the other would echo. Healer, he continued, and healer, he followed. A woman sitting nearby laughed. "What is this, church on the subway?" And they started talking. She goes to Hope Fellowship by Porter. Their church is in Dorchester. Midway through the ride, another lady entered, singing. She sat in the far corner, away from the harmonizing duo, and sang her own hymn. Give thanks because he's given Jesus Christ, his son. I couldn't help but mouth along. It was such a surreal experience. I know that non-Christians often feel that faith issues are being shoved down their throats, but as a life-long Christian, I often feel the opposite, that my faith is something I cannot talk about except with my Jesus friends. The words 'mainstream culture' are often used by the one group to refer to another- so this morning was a rare gift for me. These two guys were singing on one end, this lone woman on the other, and the handful of us quiet, taking it all in, nodding along in recognition-- coming as we are, sitting as we are, on Sunday morning.

and now, let the weak say I am strong
let the poor say I am rich
because of what the Lord has done for us
give thanks.