I have a friend who works downtown on the square and can see the park outside her front door where I interviewed and visited with so many of the homeless. She knew Jack, the vet I wrote about here.
She copied the post I wrote about him and gave it to him when she saw him next in the park. She watched him read it and said he teared up and was so thrilled with it. He asked her to make a lot of copies and he gave them away. He was so happy!
I pondered on this. It didn't matter to him that I didn't believe everything he said or that I said he looked like he had lived a hard life. I think what made him so happy was that someone took the time to write about him and the visit he had with two who took an interest. He had it in writing to hold onto.
I believe he was so happy because the story validated him, it showed he was a real person, it showed that someone enjoyed talking with him, it gave him a sense of value.
Isn't that what we all want; to be validated, to know that we matter somehow, somewhere, to someone, that we have value. My husband and I did nothing special or out of the ordinary. We just talked with him like he was a normal human being, like he was our neighbor. We shook his hand. When he teared up, I touched his arm in a caring manner. I laughed when he was funny, and I showed concern when he shared something sad. Simple, and yet meant so much to him.
Why did I use to hold back these simple things from the strangers in my path who needed it so much? I guess in my own quiet way, I shunned the ones who others shunned just because I was scared. . .I didn't know better. We came before the Lord dirty and smelly, stinking of sin, sin filthy as rags, and yet He was standing there by our sides the whole time waiting for us to come. And when we did, He came right in! And remember how you felt? I do. Loved, worthy, noticed, validated, valued. Just like Jack. I know better now. I'm not scared anymore. I'm so thankful for lovely days in the park with new friends. Thank you Jack!
Love one another with brotherly affection. . .
Romans 12:10
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11 comments:
Veterans are essential for us to care for...I am a Marine Corps veteran and served in 1971-1972. Never went to Vietnam but that was the reason I volunteered at 17 years of age, so I could go. Truth is I was assaulted by a superior in such a traumatic manner it destroyed my career in the USMC. It is always great when someone listens to a Veterans story because most of the time, folks do not know what WE have endured. I thank you very kindly for taking the time with a veteran. God Bless You.
What a very nice ending or maybe beggining? Thanks for sharing. I share also my thoughts or what i hear from God's word in my blog : willyouhearfromme.blogspot.com
I just love this story. Our church in wilsonville does what they call church under the bridge where they take coats, sandwiches etc to the homeless. I have never got the courage to do that but I know it has been a blessing to many who have gone. You are God's love to them, and I love your writings.
Appreciate your sharing.
Kris...first i love your new picture. I love seeing how you have allowed God to lead you ...and your story continues to open my heart to see those around me with new eyes. thanks and blessings to you~8 be
So many of our Vets came back from those wars, tramatized and not really able to function. Still they need to be recognized and counted just like anyone else. This is a touching and beutiful story. Thank you for sharing at Tell Me a Story.
I love it that your friend copied your post and gave it to Jack.
What a gift to Jack. Which turned out, didn't it?, to be a gift to you. :)
Great story, Kristin, and a lovely reminder to look rightly at those we meet.
You definitely have a heart for all of God's children. It is a gift... Thanks for using it and sharing your it with the ones God puts in your path. They are as worthy as any of us... I often wonder if they aren't even a little more worthy. "Blessed are the poor in spirit..."
What a wonderful story. So glad you were obedient to start "writing it down".
Thanks for stopping by my place today.
Neat! Nice to know you touched a heart simply by being a heart-oriented child of God. Blessings continue forever and ever.
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