11-17am

The world is far too short of good news stories. It’s for this reason that I imagine the story of a busking street musician who befriended a cat has been so popular.

Englishman James Bowen had an unsettled upbringing. While in school he was sniffing glue and eventually was diagnosed with ADHD, schizophrenia & manic depression. After living in Australia for a while, he returned to England   in 1997. He was 18 years old and when living with his half-sister didn’t work out, he began a life of either living on the street or in shelters. James’ life revolved around his heroin addiction and busking on the streets of London. In early 2007, James tried to drag himself up by enrolling in a Methadone programme. He was living in sheltered accommodation & one day returned home to find a ginger tom cat in his building. Figuring it belonged to one of the other residents, he didn’t pay too much attention. The next day, the cat was still there. James asked around and found no answers as to the animal’s ownership. On closer inspection, he discovered a wound on the cat’s leg and decided to take it to the vet and get it treated. And so James adopted the cat, who he named Bob.

Since then, Bob has led James into a public life. Together they have become celebrities. It began when Bob started following James everywhere. He joined James busking on the street and James’ income rapidly increased.

He began to attract more and more attention. Tourists would visit his spot just to see the cat, who was happy to dress up and sit still…

They went everywhere together…on foot…

And public transport…

You Tube videos appeared and newspapers got hold of the story. This led to a publishing agreement and James started writing about his experienced with Bob on the streets of London. Apart from “A Street Cat Named Bob” and “The World According To Bob”, a number of books for children have also been written. Sold worldwide, James’s life has improved. Together they have become celebrities.

And their teamwork is certainly causing a stir…

The books have been translated into numerous languages. More than a million have been sold. There’s also news that a movie will be made about the two of them.

Still living in London, James still loves busking and a healthy looking Bob goes too, efficiently taking care of the a bit of publicity…

A lovely good news story!

Sources: Wikipaedia. Photos: 1,000, 000 Pictures Facebook page. See more athttp://streetcatbob.blogspot.co.uk/

As I watched a television interview of James, the announcer said something like ‘have you thought about what you will do if you lose Bob?’ James replied that he understood that animals don’t live as long as humans and that he will enjoy each moment and each day he has with Bob.

What’s so interesting is that even though James’s life has improved and he is no longer homeless or addicted to drugs, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t have problems. It doesn’t matter what you do, this world will hold difficulties of one type or another. Your problems may not be mine and you don’t have my problems. It’s wonderful to know that regardless of our problems, we have Someone who can take care of them.

Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus says,

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

And now that’s good news that will last forever.

These are the days!

God bless you!

In His Grip,

Helga xx