These men come from all walks of life. Some have been with us before. Some of those for several years. Others are new to the experience. Some just days into their journey of being without a home. When you reach out to that many people from the varied experiences that they come from and have it can be a challenge. Personalities get in the way. Inability to make good choices can be a frustration, especially when you are helping the person and you so want to see them break the cycle of homelessness but they can't seem to make wise choices.
Loving these guys calls for great sensitivity and a suspending of our judgement. They are all beloved children of Our Heavenly Father's. And they all have feelings and worth! Our task is to meet them right where they are and to share as much love with them as we can in the hopes that it will make their journey a little better and that they will glimpse in a new way the love of the Father and seek his help to break free!
Last night I had the opportunity to chat with one guy on our way to the hospital. He shared with me his 20 year battle with addiction to illegal drugs. They really have gotten a hold of him. Now he is 2 months clean and experiencing the challenges that drug use brings... homelessness, shunning from family, health concerns, shakes, inability to think clearly- at times. When I asked him how he is doing battle, he said that he is getting away from the people who are not good influences and he is grateful for a Christian friend who has taken an interest in him. When I asked what the friend does... he said, "mostly offers a good listening ear."
Notice that this gentleman didn't say, "offered me some good advice." Jesus met people right where they were. This involves listening to them. Allowing them to share their journey and struggles. Connecting with them and sharing love. It really is a sensitve matter!
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