Don't worry, I'll be OK.

Sunday, February 12, 2023
Weather-Mild
28 people served

“Don’t worry, I’ll be OK.”

We swung behind the gas station and followed the rocky, unpaved road down the hill. On occasion we had seen people tucked away in this area where the dumpsters are sometimes stored. Initially there didn’t seem to be anyone there. Then we noticed what appeared to be a blanket covering some boxes. Pulling up closer we could detect movement. We hollered, “Good morning, could you use a little help?” The blanket was pulled away and we saw her sitting on the ground. The young woman had been leaning against the building with her knees pulled up against her chest, the blanket covering her head and body. As she struggled to her feet it was evident that she was expecting a baby. Moving slowly, she approached the truck. We introduced ourselves and she replied, “I’m Cate.” We asked, “Cate, do you mind if we ask when your baby is due?” “In two months. It’s a boy.” she replied. As she held on to the truck door, we could see that her right hand had several cuts. It was red and quite swollen. We gave her our packet of $10 cash, a $10 Dunkin card and the on the street prayer card. She took water, crackers, and a hat that we offered and said, “Thank you so much. This really helps. I’m going to go to Dunkin and get something to eat.” We suggested she go to the shelter first to see if there was someone there who could take a look at her hand. “I will,” she replied, “but I want to get something to eat first.” The downtown Dunkin does not have seating. It’s counter service only - without public bathrooms. We offered to give her a ride to the mid-town Dunkin but she declined, saying, “Thank you for everything. Don’t worry, I’ll be ok.” We asked if we could pray with her and her baby and she smiled for the first time and said, “That would be nice.” Putting our hand on her swollen hand, we prayed. “Dear Lord, we plead for your blessing and protection on Cate and her son. Please keep them both healthy and safe. May this mother bring her child into the world without incident. Please provide them shelter and safe haven and shower your love and care on them. We ask these blessings in Christ’s name. Amen!” We gave Cate extra cash and Dunkin cards and a set of wooden rosary beads that had been meant for an elderly woman who is no longer with us. As we watched Cate go on her way, her words rang in our ears: “Don’t worry, I’ll be OK.”

The Lord will keep you from all harm-
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

Psalm 121:7-8