Yesterday proved to be an eventful day but not in the way I could have imagined. Jana was busy converting my old bedroom studio into a normal bedroom for my boy David and she told me dinner would be late.
So I went across the street to the Club Car Restaurant where every Tuesday drinks are $2 and the Tacos are a buck. Its called a cheap Auburn dinner.
I was going to work late on a painting and I had a couple of visitors. They wanted a portrait but after hearing my prices they felt they needed to save a little money. They were the nicest people and had relocated to Auburn from L.A. I guess there is more work in Placer County than in southern California.
As they left a young man walked in. We'll call him Blake. I had known Blake for some time and I talked to his Art Class at a local Christian High School. He looked troubled. He immediately sat down.
" So how's it going Blake?"
Okay I guess. Life is real confusing.
" What do you mean?"
Well, my parents want me to get a job and go to school ( Blake is 18 ) but I just don't know what its all about. How can I find a goal when I don't know how to start or in what direction to move. MY parents asked me where I wanted to be in 10 years and that really is confusing and disturbs me. How am I supposed to know? Whats with that ? I don't even know what I will do tomorrow.
Turns out Blake is a gifted young man and turned to smoking pot and other mind altering substances. His parents are quite affluent and decided to intervene. He has been sent to therapists and a couple of months ago he was sent to Dallas for a Dr. Phil sponsored encounter group. It sounded to me like one of those EST group therapy sessions. Lifespring is another one of those mind bending organizations. As a result of that experience he is now totally disoriented.
What I saw before me was a young man who had no business being sent to such a mind screwing event. He looked scared and was crying out for land to cast his anchor . He is adrift and knows it ( Thank God ). He told me... They asked us if we were to die right now, what would we we leave behind as a remembrance. He said to me... " How can I answer that... I'm only 18!" His innocence concerning adults has been shattered . They are phonies ( sounds like catcher in the rye stuff ) .
It was at this point that young Blake expressed his heart. I need answers he said. His eyes were always darting from side to side. What should I read Mr. Ordaz? Can I come back and talk to you tomorrow Mr. Ordaz? He was starting to sound desperate.
Of course you can come here to talk Blake.
I feel depressed Mr. Ordaz? I need to really talk to you. I need help.
Okay... come back tomorrow after 7pm. We'll talk .
I lost 10 years of my life looking for answers.
When he told me he is reading Jack Keruoac I told him to hold his horses. Before you go down that road of " Beat" lifestyle I told him ... lets talk about some of the competeing worldviews that are out there before you go crazy and become a merry prankster.
Posts
Oh Frank! Please help that poor boy.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing ministry God has given you, Frank! May He bless your conversations with this young man!
ReplyDeleteMary ... already praying for him ....
ReplyDeleteDL..... Keep me in your prayers .... Its a touchy thing as his parents are prominent in our church. What were they thinking?
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you Frank. God Bless every life you touch either through your art or just these encounters.
ReplyDeleteJanice... This Gallery has sure been an adventure!
ReplyDeleteThat's hilarious. Did you really put "Therapist" on your door, or is that a photoshopped image?
ReplyDeleteI admire your patience and fear for your patients. Just kidding. You have walked the walk.
Frank,
ReplyDeleteGod is at work here. Trust his leading and just being a good listener is huge. He needs a friend. Do you have any memories from a time in your life when you felt like he does? If so, maybe you can share that experience.
Is he interested in art?
I don't know what's up, except that God is putting you in this young man's life to be a friend. And that you are!
ps.....love the Door!
ReplyDeleteGosh... what a delicate situation.... trying to give a young man needed advice without telling him what to do... hmmmmm
ReplyDeleteProbably having someone willing to listen to him, care about his thoughts and share ideas with is what he really wants/needs.
Mick ... I walk the Line amigo ... yes ... its PS
ReplyDeleteRandy... I'm available to however comes my way ... I'm trying to abide ....
ReplyDeleteMarian ... He is fragile at the moment ... will he return ... we'll see ....
ReplyDeleteAs far as reading material, a copy of "The Message" would be a great start. If you think the connotations of a Bible are too heavy, what about "Search for Significance", Blue Like Jazz or John Piper's "Don't Waste Your Life." The Search for Significance really affirms who we are in God. He needs to know his Maker before he knows himself. Sounds like his rich family is throwing money at their son in vain hopes of healing when they don't have any answers themselves. This kid needs a role model and someone who cares. Guess who just got elected? Our prayers are with you, but remember--you are not responsible for his redemption, God is. You are just the tool.
ReplyDeleteHi Frank, This kid needs a relationship with someone who 1) Cares about him 2) Is real and cuts through the crud. His parents obviously don't have the answers. If you get to the spot where you feel comfortable giving him a book, try The Message, "The Secret of Significance," "Blue Like Jazz" or "Don't Waste Your Life" by John Piper. He is seeking answers. Younger people have better bologna detectors than adults do, and he knows he's been thrown the worst Oscar Meyer has to offer. There is hope. Last of all, remember that it is God's job to do the redemption. You are simply the tool.
ReplyDeleteFrank - if you can afford it - give him a job. Have him paint a wall, build a shed, clear out some shrubbery - let him feel his body sweat and ache and accomplish. Then when he's done with that put a paint brush in his hand and point him toward a canvas...maybe a pen in in hand and some blank sheets of paper...teach him to create...and when he can breath again tell him about Jesus.
ReplyDelete