Mi Casa UpTown brought me on a journey through areas I remember passing through on the subway or on the way into “the city” from Brooklyn or Long Island. I heard car horns, the smell of the air, the bounce of a small red ball against the buildings. Mi Casa reminds us that we as followers and believers of Jesus are not meant to “do” life alone, we are to “do” life in a Christ- centered community, plant roots, build families, love our neighbors and trust Jesus. Each neighborhood has its own story, Washington Heights, way at the top of the subway map has a story, Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, way at the bottom of the subway map has a story.
For the needy will not always be forgotten; the hope of the oppressed will not perish forever. Psalm 9:18. In a society that is so rush, rush, a city that never sleeps, the latest iPhone or material item that takes our eye off the prize is not worth it. “The real work comes in loving, building up and considering others above yourself.” It takes faith to “die for yourself.” If we truly want to live like Christ, we have to allow everyone to see our imperfections, if we present ourselves as perfect than we are not letting real relationships to form and grow. We are by far from perfect. “Simply put, the way to love someone well is to share your life with them, the bad as much as the good. The things worth challenging as much as the things worth celebrating.”
I love that Rich can find so many opportunities in a city that never sleeps and is always on the move, this is still plenty of life and beauty in Washington Heights. Rich wove stories of biblical people like John and Paul into everyday life, made me stop and rethink my perspective on how I need to live out my life. Job well done Pastor Rich, you are a gifted story teller, thank you for capturing it and writing a book. A journey on how to love again. I highly recommend Mi Casa UpTown.
I received a copy from BH Publishing for an honest review.
Your Journey Starts Here 