New writing gig

Yesterday I learned that I'll be writing a weekly column on social issues for Lots of Marbles, "a think tank for individuals of all ages, backgrounds, beliefs, and interests". My first article will be posted Sunday, March 12th. My first column will will be about the intersection of race, government, and free speech and is titled "Does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave?". I'm finally doing writing again that could get a fairly broad  audience rather than the limited one I've got blogging. Yippee. On a more personal note, my time at the shelter I'm currently at is probably very limited. i'll likely be moving on shortly. Most likely I'll be back at the Mission. Oh, joy.

first steps

My journey from home to homelessness began, as all things in one's life do, with conscious decisions. I discuss these first tentative steps in my ongoing Sniperhunter2012 series From 'nice guy' to 'asshole' and (hopefully) back again: a pissing match with God.

I can't exactly say with confidence that I chose to be homeless, but what I can say with near certainty is that I knew with some certainty the path I was on. I can also say that at each step along my path I knew the likely destination that step would take me to. I continued nonetheless.

Today, I'm grateful to God that I did. Am I happy with being homeless?
Well, let's see. I have to chase down my meals each day, I'm dependent on the goodwill of others for my basic needs, I'm partially dependent on government services despite my absolute objection to the existence of such programs, and I move in circles in which one's own safety is often an open question - so what do you think? Am I happy with being homeless? Absolutely not. This and yet I would not have it any other way. My path has brought me a better understanding how God works in our lives than I ever had before - back when I was home.

For this I am eternally grateful for His Divine Providence and Grace.

Mahatma Gandhi taught us that

"If patience is worth anything, it must endure to the end of time. And a
living faith will last in the midst of the blackest storm"

Though I've no clue where this path will lead, I recognize that it is the right one to be on today. Despite the uncomfortable nature of living on the streets I recognize that this life was and is necessary for me in order to learn how I could get 'back again' after being 'asshole'. I recognize that to understand humility and mercy one must first become humbled and one must experience mercy.

I have patience, knowing that faith will see me through the blackest of storms.

Greetings from Hunter

This is my introduction to Blogger, so bear with me as I figure things out.

Hi. First, let me start by saying you will find most (but not nearly all) of my prior work over at Sniperhunter2012 (my main page), And Then the Darkness Fell (my Christian oriented site) as well as on Sing For Me (my musical musings).

I am a Christian currently making his abode in a homeless shelter in the city of Albany, NY.

I've been homeless now for about two years, struggling along my path with all the doubts, frustrations, and, occasionally - miracles - which make their way into my work and life.

As you may gleam from the header description for this blog, here is where I'll get personal. Here I'll be ranting and musing on the events, situations, and people who inspire the written word found on my other sites.

Hope you'll enjoy.
God bless