A little cloudy outside, a few stops and turns and we arrived
at what is known as "Skid Row".
As soon as you get out of your car the smell of urine is
strong and the homeless line the streets as if they are waiting for something
to happen. Some sleeping, some passed out from alcohol, some searching for
recycle items to either sleep on or get what little change they can.
As we pass out sandwiches you can't help but wonder why or how
can people live this way. This hard life is so apparent on the faces of those
you meet. Last year when I visited Skid Row with another of Sara's team I
remembered her telling me to not partner with hopelessness while I am there.
This was important to hear especially if you are a person of mercy.
We walk the streets showing love to those who will trust you
to get close enough. They are use to people coming down and helping but even
then some refuse to let you get close. As I turn one corner I see grocery
baskets, full of miscellaneous items, lined on the street like parked cars.
Wondering what’s going on I get a little closer and I notice a ministry is
allowing people to come into a building to feed them, some can take a shower or
sit and listen to worship music playing on a make shift stage.
Moving on we stop to talk to many about how much God loves
them and I got the notion (an official southern term) to begin to ask people
how can they be helped to get out of their circumstances? Some of the answers
were to never have started drugs or alcohol in the first place. It was obvious
there were some who chose to live this lifestyle but just as many if not more,
didn't choose it. A loss of their jobs, addictions, "life" issues and
mental illness were some of the reasons.
We had time to pray for a man that was blind and when you
first approach him you may feel sorry for him but don't. We prayed for healing
but we didn't see the miracle we wanted, but he did share how he sees things
and how God allows him to see in different ways, how his cane helps him rely of
God to lead his path. What a blessing! There were many that received prayer that
day and many memories made.
Through all the praying, laughing, and some tears I hope we
made an impact into someone's life. Either way, can you ever get too much
compassion?
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