The conversations. The people. The city that chooses to push out people simply because of a skin color. This place where to be identified as "homosexual" means displacement to a neighborhood where you can live your lifestyle - in peace. Where men can sell themselves on the street to keep their addiction running hard. People. Homeless. Not Homeless. Every one needing something. Needing to be noticed. Yet no one to notice.
I was sitting in a restaurant the other day and one of the men i see on a regular basis at a homeless shelter in that neighborhood walked by. There was a look of longing in his eyes and at that moment i realized that it wasn't just longing to be noticed or for food but it was longing for family. A family to laugh with, to go out to eat. To play with grand kids. That sense of belonging. The hope that comes with friends. The joy. It wasn't a need for a meal anymore it was a need for joy and life...
The drug addict in the poorest neighbor hood is as in need of this joy and life as much as the stuffy businessman who sits at home. alone. with his drink every night. Different surroundings yet all people. everyone of them - us. People. needed: Jesus love. To let compassion and love overwhelming. Love in its purest form. Hope.