Luke 18:9-14  Only when we admit it to ourselves--that each of us as an evil and a negative side--then we really come before God with the confidence that mercy will be ours.  Everything that I have is a gift--and it is due to God's mercy as I look back on my life in all its negative that I see the goodness that he brings out of the sinfulness.  I am a sinner, and it is God who brings me to life and salvation.  I spent last night in the Haight and on Polk. People are so grateful for blankets and socks and even in all of my tiredness I am grateful. Deo Gratias! Thanks be to God!