My
experience tonight was like most other nights when I can help out at a
homeless shelter. Tonight was no exception as we went to St. Johns UMC
located in downtown Baltimore.
Ernest recently completed a food preparation course. He was quite
proud of his capabilities, and probably received quite a helping of
self-esteem from his peers or teachers. Ernest was excited to begin
cooking for St. Pauls Place. Ernest has a keen sense of humor,
and was quick to put me at ease with the differences in the social
aspects of our situation. I'm a well off white male of 42, he is a 50
year old african american who is homeless, but trying very hard to get
a "leg up" with this situation. Ernest was like most other
people I meet; not wanting a hand out, but a hand up. He was one of
the very few out of the 30 or so that did not eat the food we brought.
I don't know if it was because he didn't want to take from those in
the shelter that did not have a job yet, or what exactly.
Tony was getting his hair braided by another person at the shelter.
His head was half way done when we arrived, and still was not finished
3 hours later when we left. Tony didn't mention his job status, and
it's a good idea not to press the subject. There's no way to know if
this is their first night there, or if they made it out, and fell on
bad times again and returned. To be certain, Tony was like many people
there- very thankful you took the time out of your schedule to spend a
few minutes with him. He asked me to pray for him this coming Sunday
at church. I told him I would pray for him every day. God is
everywhere, all the time.
Fannie was a frail but wonderfully spirited woman. She walked around
with her personalized cup- about an 8 ounce Styrofoam cup with her
name penned in on the side, with a smiley face after her name. When
you see a cup like that, you know you want to speak to her. Again,
another person so thankful you came and shared with them.
After most people got to eat and "seconds" was called, I
took my opportunity to grab a small bite to eat. Just enough to tide
me over till I got home. Usually, any food that is left over is the
next meal. I didn't want to take away from what they would have, but I
was encouraged to commune with them, and this includes sharing a meal.
I spoke with Ernest some more. I noticed he had a cigarette out, and
thought that was an expensive hobby when you are homeless. I didn't
say anything, and I didn't have to. Ernest knew what I was thinking.
He mentioned how the addiction was something he could never get over.
We shared stories of our fathers, and it turns out both his father and
mine died from cancer at a relatively young age. We shared stories of
the gruesome days where our dads withered away; how we thought of our
fathers as the strongest man imaginable, only to see them cry
continuously from the pain. With a common struggle, we made a bond.
After cleaning up what we had to do (some cleaning is left as chores
for the residents) we said our thank you's and good byes. Ernest was
back to watching TV, but gave a bear hug as we said so long. Ernest
will be in my prayers too.
Now that I'm back home with more food in the fridge than I can eat, a
roof over my head, and a car with leather seats to get me to and fro
in comfort and style, I have to be thankful for all that God has
provided for me and my family. While I am probably several lost
paychecks away from being in a homeless shelter, I have to remember
that it's my opportunity to give to those less fortunate, even if it's
four hours of my time, a few times a year. I can give all the food and
cash I want to shelters, and other places, but until I sit a spell and
share God with those who have only a little, I will never know what
it's like to be homeless.
1 Corinthians 13:3 If I give all I possess to the poor and
surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
I don't normally send emails like this out. It's not my place to brag
about my service to others (Read Matt 6:1-4). But tonight it felt like
something I had to share with others. I hope it inspires you to do
more, and serve others.