06/03/2025
Yesterday, I crossed paths with a homeless woman walking by my house as I was coming home from work. She smiled, seemed friendly, and commented on how much she loved what I had done to my house over the years. She asked if I believed in God, and I said, "yes." She said she was happy to hear that, because God saved her several times over the years as she struggled to overcome health issues, abuse, and addiction. She said, "Life is hard. I struggle almost every day, and God never gives up on me." She talked a little bit about her struggles and said she's in a tough place right now, but God gives her the strength to keep going. We exchanged names, and she started to move on down the sidewalk. I felt a strong urge to help her, so I asked her if she'd like some food. She said, "Only if you have a little to spare." I ran inside, gathered some food and a few supplies, and gave them to her. Then she looked at me with a big, sweet smile and asked if she could pray with me. I gladly accepted the offer. She held my hands and said a prayer for me. I was holding back tears in this beautiful moment. How was this woman praying for my health and happiness when she was the one who was homeless and hurting in so many ways? Even with all her struggles, being r***d, and being disregarded as human trash by so many people, she somehow had enough love left in her to pray for my happiness. This is an amazing example of how love and kindness can show up in the most unexpected, beautiful ways. It was a reminder that treating everyone, no matter who they are, with respect and kindness can make that person happy and allow their heart to bloom, even if just for a moment. I can imagine that when you have next to nothing, and are usually disregarded and wrongfully treated like trash, one kind moment can mean the world to that person. If enough of these moments were to happen in this woman's life, and other people's lives who are struggling like her, maybe she and others like her would find enough value in themselves to become the light they are meant to be. Ripples can turn into waves.
