When I think of dreamers I think of a young boy who wanted to make a difference in the world. To any that knew his limitations they would have thought his dreams were similar to trying to fly to the moon without a spaceship.
He had a tough upbringing, not any advantages, little in the way of education, friendships, or stepping stones.
Often Joshua would tell me what he would do if he was chief of his reserve. He would then edit his dream and say, "At least talk to people about how to be kind to one another and how hard it is for kids like me." A big dream for a young man of no consequence. People would look at all the obstacles he would have to overcome to be anything let alone a person of influence and shake their heads saying it would be a miracle.
Joshua struggled with learning, he struggled with abstract concepts, poetry seemed abstract and he didn't want to do that portion of his English assignments in grade nine or ten. One day however he was on a road trip to and from a funeral. During this road trip he felt the rhythm of the road and begin to put the facts of his life on the page in short sentences. He was surprised to find that what he had written was a form of poetry, raw, gritty and real.
In need of some money to pay some of his expenses his mom helped him put some chapbooks of his writing together to sell at a First Nations Gathering, the rest has become part of his own personal history.
Joshua as a young person has been published in different forms, a shortlisted documentary about a segment of his life, a couple poetry books, and a couple first person essays. He opened at the University of Regina for Library Week last October, has gone on a library tour of south east Saskatchewan last February, spoken at schools and a seniors lodge. He has also achieved his dream of speaking to some foster parents and group home workers. Joshua has been interviewed by CBC twice,
There was no course or seven steps to realizing his dream just a simple prayer and a lot of courage to step out in his fledgling faith to achieve the impossible.
An inspiring example of what can happen when stepping out in faith!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story about Joshua. I'm not sure if I would want to read his poetry though.
ReplyDeleteI did put some hilarious moments in my Deliverance from Jericho memoir. I did have a lot of sadness during those years but we did gain a few little victories over the supervisors.
My hope for all of us is that we'll use our writing to edify one another. Comfort is good but we also need teaching to keep us from Satan's bated traps.
I am sad that Shopping Cart Boy is no longer available.I suggested it to several schools and got it into our library. I am continuing to pray for Joshua. God isn't finished with him yet!
ReplyDeleteHi Sheila. I'm sure Joshua will be an inspiration to people for years to come. I had the privilege of featuring Joshua on my blog (Nov.1,2019). Here os the link for any interested, https://wordpress.com/block-editor/post/scarredjoy.ca/683. The honest rawness in his poetry deaws me to him as a person. I pray he continues to write in whatever genre he chooses. Sheila, you have a big heart. Thank you for this part of Joshua's story.
ReplyDeleteThankful for you, Sheila, and the guidance, wisdom, and love you’ve provided in Joshua’s life, and so many others.
ReplyDeletePam
Had the honour of meeting Joshua when he came with you to Saskatoon. We chatted briefly. Such burdens he carried for one so young. So full of pain, so full of promise. Thanks for sharing his dream. And I agree wholeheartedly with Tracy- God is not finished with him. Praise God who sees beyond what we can imagine.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute to Joshua, Sheila! He illustrates an important principle - with no course or seven steps, by faith we can follow with prayer and courage what God has planned for us and the doors He opens for us.
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