“Great is Thy faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me”
– Great Is Thy Faithfulness, Thomas Obadiah Chisolm
It is cold and getting colder. B.B. McGowan is aware of this after spending so many years on the streets in Dallas, TX. After many years of substance abuse, B.B. found himself homeless and relying on the kindness of others to survive. When it was extremely cold, he would do all that he could to find his way into a shelter. It was not always easy.
Thankfully, B.B. McGowan found healing and freedom from his addiction. His new life is, in part, thanks to the people of Oak Lawn United Methodist Church. As he began to find his newfound life, B.B. felt compelled to help others who are in the same situation that he was in. Now he drives the church van around on cold nights and he picks up the homeless people who are in danger from the cold elements. He then delivers them to local shelters.
B.B. McGowan was interviewed by a local TV station in Dallas. When asked why he spends his nights doing what he does, he told them that his newfound healing has brought a new perspective to his life. “It gives you a whole new appreciation for life and for people. The things I took for granted, I don’t take for granted anymore.”
A perspective of gratitude changes us for the better. When we are grateful for what we have, we see the needs of others around us. When we are grateful for all that God has given us, we understand that we have more than enough to help others. B.B. McGowan understands how blessed he is with his newfound sobriety. He simply wants to return the blessings he has received. What blessings have you received? How can you share what you have in order to make a difference for others? God has blessed us with the gift of abundant life. Our gratitude for this gift should be reflected in extending all that we have to our neighbors so they might also enjoy life to the full.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
