A safe place to rest his head.

Sunday, August 21, 2022.
Temperature: 92 degrees.
This day God gave us the privilege of serving 37 people.

“A safe place to rest his head.”

We saw a homeless man sleeping on the top step of Saint Theresa’s Church. Being careful not to startle him, we quietly climbed the stairs and laid our “God gifts” of cash, a Dunkin Donuts gift card, our prayer card, a bottle of water and chilled fruit next to him. Quietly backing down the steps, we made the sign of the cross, thanked God that the man had a safe place to rest his head and asked God to keep him in His care.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”Psalm 91:1

“To listen without judgment”

Our conversation with Christina started off pleasant enough… but as is often true, the slightest bit of kindness opens the floodgates of honesty and the hurt comes out. After accepting our gifts, Christina began to share her story. Her tears began to flow as she told us that her father had given her heroin at the age of thirteen. She had quickly become addicted and was now in a recurring cycle of trying to get clean. We had no quick solution for Christina: she wasn’t expecting any. People willing to listen without judgment and assurances of God’s unconditional love were her consolation.

“Judge not, that you be not judged.”Matt:7:1

“I had to fight a man off”

Every night, she sleeps under the same bridge of a city thorough-fare. She suffers from seizures and is constantly exhausted. When we pulled up she was sleeping. Gently tapping the horn, I called her name. Startled, she opened her eyes. Recognizing us, she quickly came to her feet and approached our vehicle. As we handed her our gifts, she told us, “A guy tried to take my spot under this bridge last night. I had to fight him off to get him out of here.” We talked with her a bit longer. Then, clearly exhausted, she once again laid down on her sleeping pad. We told her we would pray for her. What we gave seemed so little in the face of her many trials. As I sit in my comfortable recliner, in my air conditioned room, I envision her small form huddled in the dark beneath the bridge. I wonder who she will have to fight off tonight as she lays down her sweet head.

“…but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”Luke 9:58