Effing cold... freezing people... literally.

So nothing was canceled today.  It is 15 degrees in Austin and we all had to function like normal.  Except that is wasn't normal.  We have had rolling blackouts.  It makes me think what it must be like in countries where that is the norm.  We take a lot for granted.
Yesterday I saw a homeless person leaning into a shopping cart, unconscious in the cold.  I was on my way and late to something but I could not drive by and not do anything.  Frankly, the person looked dead. I called 911 and reported the person and the location so someone could check it out.  I feel rather cowardly for not stopping to investigate myself but I was not up to that.  But... how many people are sleeping on the streets on these cold, cold nights?  Why are there?  How in the hell does a wealthy society allow this?  I don't understand. 
I hope the person I saw and reported was just stone drunk and feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.  I did not hear of a death reported on the news.  But, then again, maybe it would not be news. 
Why does God allow this suffering?  Damned good question.
God does not allow it.  It is.  We are.  The world is broken and people freeze to death in one of the wealthiest nations on earth.  Yet, God is there somewhere.  Christ is there, freezing on the sidewalk. 
I just read Lamb: the gospel according to Biff (JC's bff).  It is hilarious but spot on.  The Jesus (Josh) portrayed in the book is doubtful and angry at times.  In the end, he goes to the cross to make a point to his dad.. suffering ends here... no more.
It was an interesting pitch to the story.  There were gaps, to be sure.  But, it was compelling somehow to think of Jesus Christ as angry with his dad... so angry he would let himself be killed to make a point.  What a rebellious child.  That would totally piss me off and make me want to kill my kid for that sort of thing:)
But, it was compelling nonetheless. 
Does God know about our suffering?  Does God give a crap? 
I have to say yes.  I cannot look at the empty tomb and say no.  In the end, at all costs, there is mercy.  Maybe it is a call from 911.  Maybe it is a bottle of gin.  But, out of the chaos comes hope and grace and love.  Hope. Grace. Love. 
May all three surround the people on our streets today.