Posts by Miami Rooftop Prayers

There it stood, between Ali Baba Avenue and the railroad tracks in Opa Locka. The perfect building for my commissary. 8,100 square feet, and it came with the right price ticket. On decision-to-buy day, we looked to the east and saw God’s rainbow above, a loving sign this was the right choice. The City of…

December, 1962. Coach Haywood barked, “Hansen, you’re the starting center.” What? Me? 185 pounds of uncoordinated fat insulating some miniscule muscles. Now, Danny Copeland had the athletic chops to play college and even professional sports. He was always our starting center. But playing high school basketball was my passion. Could this be my day to…

It happened some twenty years ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday. With one mile to go on my four-mile run through Coconut Grove, I heard what sounded like fireworks behind me.   I spun around to look. Barreling down the sidewalk no more than 100 feet from me was an out-of-control van.…

Have you ever worked in an oppressive environment? I have, and it’s no fun. As a concessionaire at a beachfront state park there was no love lost from park management towards me. In this workplace, fear of what might happen if you broke one of their petty rules was the guiding light. It was discouragement all the way and the cards…

It was 2003. Michael found me on the Internet. Hailing from Santa Barbara, California, he drove all the way to Miami to work with me on a promising project: Leading Caterers of America.  Agreeing as partners to work for very little compensation, we embarked on our journey to provide education for caterers. Catering Boot Camp…

I overslept!  Today’s impossible schedule and all the unfinished work from yesterday loomed ahead, tempting me to launch straight into work mode. Which would mean skipping my prayer and devotional time. Which would also mean putting my faith in God on the back burner. I know you know the feeling:So much to do and so…

Her feet were burned to a crisp as she was rushed to Jackson Hospital Burn Center some 20 years ago. Born in Jamaica, Delores moved to South Florida and was my friend for years in the late 1990’s. I drove her to church services held in a private home at 59th and Biscayne in Miami.…

While growing up, my dad, a rose grower, earned $100 per week. This kept Mom, Dad and me with clothing, food, and shelter, but not much more.  My best friend’s dad earned much more and carried around thousands of dollars in his pocket. His opulent lifestyle included season tickets to the Buffalo Bills and a…

Standing in front of eight kids in religious ed class, I was shaking like the proverbial leaf. It was my first time to teach these juniors alone, without Miss Debra the seasoned veteran. Up till that point she had taught, and I’d been the color commentator, adding a little insight to the message. This would…

I lost my voice this week, while sharing my 50+ years of foodservice knowledge with newbies at a conference in New Orleans. Like the Farmers Insurance spokesman, I’ve seen a thing or two. But why spend time with the newbies when I could learn from those at my level or above? You may be in…