Things are changing. But I am going to trust in God. After a twenty-seven-candidate challenge for the top seat, my city is having a mayoral runoff in June. Everybody and their mother signed up to battle for the coveted seat. Sadly, I do not expect things to improve. Our democracy, our faith, and, for many of us, our very livelihood are being tested. The Pharisee thinks he is in control. He believes he is doing God’s will, but that was always their problem. Those in darkness are clueless, and many are they who travel on the wide path that leads to destruction. The Scriptures say that, not I. The world is going crazy, but the Lord said not to worry.
My city has its share of problems, like most large cities. I appreciate the history that is still visible in the city’s old landmarks. Seeing the old Woolworth building across from the Alamo reminds me of the times mom took my sister and me shopping for back-to-school clothes. It wasn’t much, but it was fun. I also remember playing hooky at the Alamo. It was free then. In a sense, these old buildings are also a chilling reminder of what we, as a people, left behind. Old buildings, to me, represent old mindsets. The injustices and the constant backward thinking of many decades ago have yet to fade from the minds of many.
It seems every generation believes life was better or that society was better when they were young. That statement would never be true for me. Not because I directly suffered through the various racial and ethnic injustices of past decades. but because I am of Mexican descent, and I inherited my disadvantages, poverty, and poor quality of public education. I was an adult before I recognized the many disadvantages I was born into. But God is good. What man means for evil, God uses for good (Genesis 50:20).
My parents were victims of the Repatriation in the 20s & 30s. My father was a POW in Germany during WWII. My brothers fought in a controversial war and faced backlash from the anti-Vietnam movement. One older brother will not forget the discrimination he had to face at the hands of fellow soldiers. When I was 20 y/o, I went to sign up for the regular Air Force. I was rejected because I was 10 lbs. overweight. Weeks later, I signed up for the Texas Air National Guard (TXANG) and was accepted. Despite having only GED, I scored high on the ASVAB and was told I could choose any job I wanted. Well, why the USAF refused me still baffles me, but I know that God had a different plan for me.
Lately, many Christians are quick to rebuke and judge a fallen world for its depravities. They would do well to remember that all our righteousness is as filthy rags before a holy God. Depravity has always been in the world. It is the condition of man without Christ. The world is in darkness. As believers, when we are in sin, we are separated from God. Still, God loves His people. He is longsuffering with us. God desires obedience, but we are far from being obedient children. I find solace in the story of the prodigal son, who demanded his inheritance from his father, only to squander it on frivolous living. When reality slaps him in the face he returns to his father. His father, seeing him from afar welcomes his son home with open arms. That’s God.
These are a few thoughts that I share in my new book, Where are my Sheep? In this new book, I reflect on my faith, the church, the people of God and my place in this world. The last few years have tested my faith and my beliefs. The Lord has been gracious to me and my family. I pray that anyone who has the courage to read these few words of mine will likewise allow the Lord to search the heart, to correct any falsity in their beliefs. Because, to date, all believers are exposed to false teachings.
Where are my Sheep? is available on Amazon in paperback and the Kindle app.
Be blessed.
Living in the Last Hour 
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