It hurts, but I don't think it's that bad.

Sunday, July 17, 2022

Bridget*, “It hurts, but I don’t think it’s that bad.”

We looked across the parking lot and saw her sitting on the cement stairs that led from one parking level to the next. She was crouching over as if she was in pain. We drove closer and held our packet out the window. After introducing ourselves we asked if she needed help. She made her way to our truck and said, “My name is Bridget. I fell down these stairs and hit my head and hurt my arm.” We could now see that she was bleeding from a scrape on her forehead. We asked if she thought she should see a doctor or go to the hospital. She replied, “No, no! It hurts, but I don’t think it’s that bad.” Bridget graciously accepted the gifts we offered, then gingerly made her way back to the stairs. As we drove away, we looked back at Bridget sitting on the step. We could feel her aloneness.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

Sam, *“I just need a place to live.”

We were heading north on Main Street when we saw him. He was standing beside his belongings; a mattress and a few small household items. We passed by, thinking he was waiting for someone to pick him up. Then we decided to go back to see if he needed anything. As we pulled up, Ed rolled down his window and said, “Hi, I’m Ed.” Holding out our packet; a prayer card, a $10 bill and Dunkin Donut gift certificate, Ed asked, “Could you use some help?” The young man replied, “Hi, my name is Sam. No, I don’t need any money. I have a job. I just need a place to live.” We chatted with Sam for a bit. He accepted a bottle of water and thanked us before we drove away.

Some homeless people, like Sam, are working. Many others who are homeless receive some form of financial assistance. Still, because of the high cost of housing, they can’t afford an apartment. I think about the hundreds of people we have met on the street who are trying to survive. So many of them tell us, _“I just want a roof over my head._” It doesn’t seem like a lot to ask.

“…and there was no room for them in the inn.”Luke 2:7