It's going to be ok honey. Don't cry.

December 11, 2022

“It’s going to be ok honey. Don’t cry.”

It was late in the afternoon. The temperature was dropping, and a mixture of snow and rain promised a raw night ahead. We didn’t see anyone as we pulled into the parking lot. Suddenly, Jack and Kathleen appeared from the shadows. Recognizing our truck, Kathleen cried out, “Jack, it’s them!” They stood shivering as Jack shared that they had finally found a room in a run-down boarding house. “The rent is more than we can afford but at least it gets us out of the weather. We’re heading there now.” Kathleen started to cry and told us, “We stay outside a lot because I don’t feel safe there.” Being familiar with the building, we knew Kathleen’s fears were justified. As she spoke, Jack wiped the tears from her face and said, “It’s going to be ok honey. Don’t cry.” We were deeply touched by Jack’s kindness. We invited Kathleen to browse through the clothing items we had to find something she liked. Her spirits lifted as she discovered a colorful matching hat and mittens. As we encouraged Kathleen and Jack to trust that God would keep them safe, we were painfully aware of how little we were able to help them.

“The antidote to fear is faith.”

“We have a little propane stove that we use to heat the tent and cook.”

When we stopped to reorganize our “give-a-ways” we saw two men walking our way. As they passed, we held out our packet and said, “Hello! Could you use some help?” In unison they replied, “Absolutely!” Then one asked, “Do you guys know where we can get a propane tank?” “No,” we replied. Introducing ourselves we asked, “Why do you need a propane tank?” I’m Greg and this is my friend Derek. We live in a tent under the bridge close to Holbrook. We have a little propane stove that we use to heat the tent and cook. Right now, we’re using small propane tanks that we buy at Walmart for ten bucks. They don’t last long and they can’t be refilled.” By this time it was dark and cold. They had a 3 mile walk to get back to their tent. We talked with them a bit longer. They gratefully accepted hats, gloves and socks. As they were leaving, we called them back, gave them an extra twenty dollars and said, “Merry Christmas! Cold weather is coming. Buy a couple extra propane tanks.”

“The warmth of friendship is a buffer against the cold.”