By the time Doug met Speak Up, he had faced—and overcome—years of homelessness and drugs.

His story was one of crippling darkness and humiliating rock bottom followed by dramatic redemption and spiritual renewal.

The before and after photos tell the story. First are the public mug shots taken when he was in the throes of addiction:

From mugshotsonline.comNext here’s a picture from a couple years later, after he’d found faith, kicked drugs, and was living a new life:

Douglas Lawing / Photo by Matt ShawDoug was one of the most charismatic and hopeful people I have encountered in over a decade of working with homeless entrepreneurs and writers. He’d walk into a room, with this huge gleaming grin and sparkling eyes, greet everyone, and then release a joyful torrent of ideas and stories.

His sudden death in 2017 was a shock. He’d hit some bumps in his journey but was doing well. We had been exchanging letters, his passion for “spreading light” burned brighter than ever. He was full of hope. Above all else, he wanted to tell people about the second chance that he’d received, the Grace that had transformed his life.

He promised to visit Speak Up soon, but then died before he got the chance.

I was out of town the weekend of the funeral, but apparently it was a big affair. Doug had known many people from all corners of society and turnout was significant. I was sad to have missed it.

A month later, a card came from one of his close family members:

I wanted to tell about Doug’s funeral. At the end of the service, the pastor gave an altar call for salvation. Twenty-three people came forward and gave their lives to Jesus.

Thank you for the part you played in his life. He loved Speak Up Magazine.

Remarkable words.

This poem, written in 2015, is Doug at his most authentic.

Matt ShawEditor

By Douglas Lawing

I’m a true believerIn the story of ChristHow he walked without sinThen, he paid the price

He was bold as a lionAnd meek as a sheepWhen they slapped him on the faceHe turned the other cheek

He took a couple of fishAnd a basket of breadAnd fed 5,000With plenty food left

He came down from the mountainTurned the water to wineHealed the wounds of the lambAnd gave sight to the blind

He was the greatest manThat will ever beAnd he gave it all awayFor you and me.

I used to walk in the darkAlone, out in the streetsWith chains on my heartI had to rob just to eat

Scammin’ every morningTo get my fixWhen the going got ruffI had to learn new tricks

Then I’d keep’a rollin’Not a care in my headThe way things were goin’I should surely be dead

But I now walk with JesusI’ve been burnt by his fireAnd there ain’t no dopeThat can get me higher

The fire burns in my heartYa see, it lights up my eyesAnd the flame’ll keep on burnin’Till the day I die

Now listen everybodyWhat I’ve got to sayIf you wanna get to HeavenHe’s the only way

You gotta lay down your lifeAnd die to your sinOpen up your heartHe’ll come on in

He’ll clean up your messWith his blood and waterBe your best friendYour brother and Father

When you call his nameHe’s always aroundYou know He’s got your backWon’t ever let you down

And if you slip in the mudWhen you’re lost in the darkHe’ll clean up the messAnd give you a new start.

Doug’s obituary opened with these words: “He walks with Jesus.”