King of Kings, today we returned to the City. Once again, I tried my best to demonstrate Your love to each person You placed on my path.
The first person I met was a homeless man who happened to be riding on the same subway train as my husband, Travis and me. The moment we got on the train, I noticed the slumped over the gentleman. Right away, I felt Your Spirit prompt me to leave my seat and walk across the aisle to where he sat. So, I share my intentions with my husband. Then, I made my way, stumbling across the fast-moving, swerving subway train.
Sitting down to the man’s immediate left, I instantly gave him a side hug by placing my arm around his shoulder. When he didn’t respond to my touch, I slid my hand down his left arm and held onto his hand. I could immediately feel the tips of his icy fingers. His worn-out gloves exposed his fingers to the chill of the cold November air.
Still, the man showed no response to my presence. I pressed on. “Sir, do you know what the Bible says about people who are tired?” I asked. Finally, a response! For a moment, the man picked his head up and looked straight into my eyes. He spoke not a word. So, I continued on. “Jesus says, ‘Come unto me, all you who are tired and burdened, and I will give you rest." The man bowed his head and slumped over even further. I let go of his hand and slowly stood up. Then, I returned to my seat wondering if I had made a difference at all.
Afterward, we walked along the busy New York City streets, attempting to reach our destination, the 9/11 Memorial. Along the way, I met and spoke with several NYPD officers. I was even able to offer two of them one of the keychains that Travis and I had handmade for this trip.
Right about the time we started to near our journey's end, I met a young man who was freezing and sitting alone against a temporary construction type of barrier wall. His long hair was pulled into a ponytail, revealing the shaved sides of his head. His clothes were tattered and worn. I knew right away that I had to let go of my husband’s hand and run to his side.
I impulsively slid my back down the wall and sat down right next to the young man. Forgoing formal introductions I immediately asked the young man what had happened to bring him to such a humble existence. Without hesitation, he began to share his heartbreaking story. “I was raised in a strict Christian home.” He began. “My parents didn’t agree with my current lifestyle. So, I had to leave. With nowhere else to go, I ended up on the streets.” My heart filled with compassion. I began to side hug young man while tearfully responding. "Well, my Jesus has not forgotten you and He still loves you." Without letting a second go by, he instantly replied, "I know. I love Him too." His words seemed soft and sincere, providing just the encouragement I needed to press on.
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