Category Archives: Uncategorized

“Come and See”

I promise I will be more upbeat next time I write, but I can’t write without mentioning the loss of our colleague, Vivian Winslow. Vivian died suddenly a couple of weeks ago, and the team at Star of Hope has felt her loss terribly. With her unwavering dedication, Vivian was a beacon of hope for many here […]
Not every day goes well. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try or how smart you think your ideas are, it does not work. The world, which is not perfect, gets its say on my happiness and encouragement. This morning, I spoke at the morning prayer and worship service at the Men’s Development Center downtown. […]
I have had a couple of people say they have enjoyed my first impressions of Star of Hope. It is a wonderful place, full of people who love our Lord and are committed to Houston’s least and lost. And make no mistake, for the most part the world does not care about the clients served […]
As I listen to them, the stories our clients tell have four themes: loss, abandonment, addiction, and abuse. Our clients feel abandoned by society and unseen and tell stories of life that overlooked and passed them by. As Christians, we hear these stories and say, this is not the way life is supposed to be, […]
Like many of you, we have been in the middle of back-to-school mode at the Women and Family Development Center over the last couple of weeks. This season has given me the first opportunity to see our incredible volunteers and supporters in action assisting and encouraging our staff and residents during this hectic time. Our […]
First impressions – this time of graduation and commencement. People say all sorts of things at commencement don’t they? Sometimes helpful, occasionally insightful, more often long, and a little boring. Imagine being at a commencement where speeches left you on the edge of your seat or were so wonderful they moved you to tears or […]
I am still getting my first impressions. One powerful impression is I did not know enough about the suffering of the homeless in our midst. If you are like me and know only of homelessness in the abstract being close to it can be disorientating. The problem, when you see it in a human being […]
Many who come to Star of Hope seek a fresh start after years of struggling to find the right path. Teira grew up believing she was unworthy of being the person God created her to be. Without the care and guidance she needed, she lost sight of what she truly deserved. This is her story: […]
Last time, I mentioned that the new CEO has the advantage of seeing things for the first time. Soon, that benefit recedes, but in the meantime, some things that may have become commonplace for others are in stark relief. As Christians in the West, we talk about the Spirit some, even spiritual warfare on occasion, […]
Amid the work and chaos of starting a new job, the new employee is given the gift of a first look. We only have that opportunity once, so it is precious, and we felt it would be good to share with you a look at the Star of Hope from a fresh pair of eyes. […]