Leaning back in his chair, as we waited for one of our community meal celebrations to begin last Thursday, David began to open up. I was amazed at all the information that he freely volunteered to me and two or three others who stood around.
"I come here to keep my morality," he said. "I make the Overcomers meetings on Tuesdays. I go over to Smokey's too. It all helps to keep me in line."
David's complete story is not clear to me. Is any life story ever really clear? But, I know the basics without even asking.
My friend has had a fairly tough life. Mistakes. Disappointments from others and from himself. Somewhere in the mix you'll find alcohol and drug abuse, broken primary relationships, possibly some trouble with the law. Loneliness. Depression. Homelessness. At times, deep sadness.
Like so many other friends of mine, David walked into our place one day right off the streets. He needed food. He needed something to do. He needed to feel a part of something. He needed purpose. He needed hope.
Today he is one of our most trusted and valued volunteers. Loading and unloading trucks, helping people in trouble, generally supporting our daily operations by doing whatever he is asked to do and more.
People like David soon feel as if they own the place around here. That is always a very good sign.
A couple of months ago on a particularly busy day, I pulled into the parking lot behind the building. I managed to park with a front tire a bit over a yellow line. David approached me as I got out of the car.
"Sir, you'll need to try that again. As you can see, we are very busy today and parking is limited. No one gets more than one space. Thanks a lot!" he grinned, as he gave me directions.
"Yep, I don't know what I would do without this place," David continued talking to us before our meal. We chimed back that the place needed him and that he was a huge help to so many people every day.
"I know what it feels like to not want to get out of bed. Sometimes I slip back into that feeling. This place gets me up and keeps me going. I don't want to go back to that old way, I really don't," he reflected, now brushing away tears.
"I need this place and the people who are here. It is hard being all alone."
We all assured him he wasn't alone and that we needed exactly the same things that he needed.
David and friends like him remind me about the fragile and amazing nature of the human soul and of the absolute necessity of genuine community.
I'm thankful I know David. His life matters. Everyone matters.
Why is that so easy to forget?
4 comments:
I'm praising God again for your ministry in Dallas. I'm glad to hear some of David's story. It's way too easy to get wrapped up in my own troubles, and lose my focus on those that need my attention, help, and friendship. My husband and I are still praying for things to fall into place for us to work with Dry Bones in Denver, then plant that ministry in other major U.S. cities. I continue to lift CDM up in prayer as well. God Bless You Larry! Have a great week! <><
One of the best lessons I learned when entering urban ministry was to "sit down and talk with the people." Being from a middle class background, one that always teaches you to "serve" the "poor and less fortunate," this was hard for me to adjust to (and still sometimes is). My friend and mentor impressed upon me how important it was to get to know the people that we were "serving." She told me that poor and homeless people had opinions, too--about politics, about religion, about the neighborhood, etc. After some resistance, I finally sat down and began to get to know the people. Once again, the best lesson I ever learned. I still remain friends with several of those (now *formerly* homeless) people I met in Chicago. Your story about David reminds me of this lesson. I truly value those who I've gotten to know throughout the years. They have taught me much more than any college textbook, newspaper article, or television show ever could about our urban neighborhoods.
The post and comments remind me a favorite quote from Jim Wallis in "Faith Works"....
"Results come when we realize poor people should be defined not merely by what they need but by what they can do."
Its important to keep this in the forefront in all our interactions with our friends and neighbors...I think this is one of the philosophies that makes CDM what it is.
Thanks,
Rachel Embry
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