Spotlight on...Jose Cruz Jr.

Just so you know, about 8years ago the first time I met Cruz he was standing on a dock in Torrance with a "wife beater" tank top, covered in more tattoos than I care to remember, staring me down like I stole his wallet. He walked up to me and the first thing he tells me is "Let me tell you about respect.." He was the night supervisor at the time and just to spare you the details he wasn't exactly the friendly type..Wow, how things have changed.

Today, I can't imagine my time at work without Jose. You see, I believe nothing is by accident and God places people in our path for a reason.

This is an example of who he is today. "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin." I'm whispering "I was lost," Now I'm found and forgiven. When I say..."I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need CHRIST to be my guide. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need HIS strength to carry on. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it. When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain, I have my share of heartaches So I call upon His name. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow.. "

You see, I have the pleasure of experiencing his friendship and walk with Christ along with mine. Is it difficult to carry the cross? YES it is! The gift Jose brings to any conversation or "counseling session" always starts with "the Bible says....." and rarely a "Well, I think..." He is so knowledgable in the Word that sometimes what he says just stings sometimes, but it is the truth, directly from the Bible. I admire his Faith and his willingness to share and pray ANYWHERE!

Unforunately, like an active believer, he is hurting right now to stay up. He is fighting right now even as you read this, for his wife, his kids, his job, his future and he needs prayer. We may go to different churchs, but we know we are all connected through Christ. Life just goes wrong sometimes, right? Sometimes through our bonehead moves or sometimes through circumstances out of our control, we need to lift each other up in the process. There is enough crap around us to knock us down! "Knowing" just isn't enough sometimes, we constantly need each other to stay focused and take these hits. Our hearts are always being broken, molded, reshaped, rebuilt, all in an effort to get closer to Him. Cruzer thank you for being you and helping me keep my head on straight when I need it. You are an amazing person, bold, and ALL heart! What would I do without you? Luv ya bro!