Throughout our 6-week series, "Rethink Miracles", we will also be introducing you to some of the men and women who are served by Grace Place. For many of them, it was their first opportunity to have a portrait made. As you read the stories they share, look for the face of God, look for the face of Grace, and look for ways you can be part of a miracle.
James Earl Rudd
"I am a veteran. I served in Vietnam. I have ten brothers and sisters, and I live with one of my brothers. The VA does not give me enough food stamps to last me a month ‘cause my brother eats off of them, so I come to Grace Place to eat breakfast. I eat lunch at home.
God been calling me ever since I was a child. My name is James. That’s in the Bible - the King James version of the Holy Bible. My mama named me after that.
If I could send anybody a message, it would be the Lord’s Prayer."
Grace Place adds: We greeted James daily with a warm “How are you today, Mr. Rudd?” His boisterous reply was always, “I’m doing good, just for TODAY!”
He received healthcare at the VA Hospital. “I go to the clinic there for my nerves”. He always carried a bag containing the things he needed for the day. When we knew him, he lived with his brother on Northside Drive. He came to Grace Place in his best clothes at first. He would always stop at the reception desk at Galloway to tell April how good the meal was. As time passed, he took less care of himself, his dress and grooming began to deteriorate, and he became less coherent.
We learned from Mr. Rudd that we find love and the joy of Christ TODAY. Sadly, Mr. Rudd was shot by his brother in a domestic dispute. He did not survive the gunshot wounds.
