Of Faith Unfeigned
Of Faith Unfeigned, 2026. Acrylic latex on stucco, 45’L x 20’H
For Timothy House, Long Beach Rescue Mission, Long Beach, CA
A prayer for an enduring faith that strengthens the hearts of our young brothers as they seek to walk uprightly into their divine purpose, and for wisdom upon the ones who guide them.
A pair of Lawrence’s goldfinches—one of three species of goldfinches found in North America—have sown the good seed. They now have the privilege of witnessing the ripening fruit in this garden that flourishes with life. The olive trees bear fruit in preparation for a new beginning, a great anointing, a life illuminated.
In Genesis 8, a dove returns to the ark with a single olive branch, assuring us that the waters have indeed subsided, confirming God’s promise of an earth renewed and life restored.
Historically, olive oil was used in Near Eastern daily life to bring light into the home. It was also used as medicine and in sacred rituals, poured or smeared upon the head and the body of the individual as an act of consecration. In this way, olive oil references healing and divine blessing as we refer to the Greek Χριστός (Christos) that translates to the anointed one.
Of Faith Unfeigned describes a genuine belief that carries the power to transform the ones who choose to surrender to the ways that lead to the truth, the way, and the life. It speaks of a belief that is set aflame in the hearts of the ones who hold the Word as a lamp unto their feet—this truth that is the lifeline which weaves all things together for the good, upholding the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned… - I Timothy 1:5
Some of the memories that have nestled in my heart during this time that I have so cherished with our young brothers:
- Every meaningful conversation that has softened our hearts toward the true heart of God. During my time here, I prayed that God would purify all things—that every word would be true, edifying, and encouraging. That his love would cover every exchange. He did that for us.
- The privilege of listening to the poetry that pours out of their hearts, through their hands and onto paper, out of their mouths, permeating the home and blessing it. Life and death is the in power of the tongue. They choose life.
- Bible studies that lead to the healing that we witness in real time. Thank you, Lord, for your tenderness toward our belovèd.
- The strength and endurance of the men who carry this household as God carries us. Their compassion is evidence that they too have seen much.
- The gentle nature of our young brothers. Though some of them are seemingly rough and rugged on the exterior, their hearts are fleshy and raw and alight—like loose, rich soil in which the seeds can more easily root when watered with love.
- Impromptu grappling matches ignited after a mere mention of UFC.
- Young brother Shaun’s hardy laugh. It can be heard daily, echoing through hallways and all throughout the Mission campus. His joy cannot be contained. Meanwhile, young Isaiah’s laugh sounds like an Amazonian bird call. Here, laughter startles the air daily.
- Witnessing the ways in which arguments dissolve swiftly because brotherly love remains the foundation that is set upon the rock.
- The abounding grace that lives here. It hurdles over mistakes and offenses, and brings us back to the love of God that has extended to these ones who sometimes get lost, because God’s love is not determined by merit, but because we have been made in his own image. Here, we strive to love in this manner.
- Every meal shared with the boys. Dinner conversations include things like: hopes for the future, what kind of dog breed each housemate resembles, what makes us cry, how we abide in the love of God, which anime series is best, the significance of Tetelestai, childhood memories that have shaped us, what we truly believe, a mother’s hands, our deepest struggles, and how Jack-in-the-Box compares to In-n-Out (a constant debate).
- Consistently awe-stricken by the mystery of where each day takes us. There is a marvelous work being done here.
- The day I accompanied the boys around the neighborhood to offer prayer to our neighbors, only to come home to launch into a half hour conversation about toilet paper, before returning to study the Word, followed by a game of chess. Sometimes, the timing and placement of daily activities can feel odd around here, but things get done and all is good.
- Being flushed with inspiration when hearing their beautiful, heartful prayers. I have loved having the privilege to pray with our dear ones—one heart, one need, one situation at a time. And then many times all together. This has been a profound lesson to be more willing to not just pray for people, but with people. I ask for permission, and because we see prayers being answered here constantly, never have I been turned down.
- It had been so long since I played a board game, and joining them was exhilarating! I’m basically a real estate mogul at this point.
- Learning to recognize the areas that require more sensitivity, and being more immediate with my apologies.
- The daily witnessing of the miracles that occur in the tender hearts of men who were once hardened by the injustices of the world. What holy ground this is upon which we stand.
- My roles here: Student, sister/auntie (teetering on the cusp of encouraging and annoying), and back-up everything else: maintenance person, barista, counselor, housekeeper, event planner, pastry-taste-tester, prayer initiator, steward of plants, cheerleader, listener, decorator, peacemaker, and generous hugger. And when time allows, I push paint around. Thank you, God, for enabling me to do whatever is needed at the moment.
- At around the 11-hour mark, I like to wait for them to leave for chapel before I head home, so that I don’t feel like I’m the one that has to leave them. My prayers are unceasing for them—prayers of concern, of hope, of praise; for protection, for guidance, for temperance. It takes a steady heart to serve here, and for this, I admire every Mission family member who has heeded the call and who stays armed in prayer. It has been hard work for the brethren since 1972. They know that nothing of great significance is easily achieved, and when we feel inadequate, we remember that God is the one who enables us.
- The most common questions/comments that I receive:
Are you in the 90-day program or the 1-year program?
I’ve kinda made up my own program. The plan: to work quietly so that they forget I’m here, so that they don’t ask me to leave. I’ve fallen in love with this place, the mission, and the people.
What exactly do you do here?
Um, I just observe and wedge my way into spaces that might need more attention. Like caulking. But a lot messier.
I thought you were maintenance.
I do recognize that among the tribe of 100+ men at both Samaritan and Timothy Houses, I am possibly the grimiest person on campus.
(Competing very closely is Brother Michael Jones, who so diligently serves with a genuine joy in his heart. Watching him reminds me to calibrate and make sure that I am doing the same.)
- Their openness to sharing their stories of survival. These young men have seen more than any child should. I am utterly inspired by their resilience and their commitment to life.
Bless these brave, brave, boys.
- The majesty of it all. We are but wild branches, that through grace, have been grafted into the root of faith. My, how we flourish together.