It wasn’t such a cold day outside and I decided to take a prayer walk, as I usually did when I’ve had a busy day. I had a long list of prayer topics on my mind, uppermost of which was my husband’s imminent trip home. Led of the Spirit, I walked north on University Avenue, I turned east on Wellesley and got to Bay Street (not that most of you out there know where these streets are!), praying in the spirit all the while.
Being led to return to my office I started south on Bay doing a loop but was drawn immediately to a nearby bus shelter. Inside it sat a man who looked well over 70; I stopped praying, smiled and asked him his name.
Jimmy McNeil is a homeless drunk who sleeps on the streets; he speaks perfect English and was married to a gambling addicted wife. According to him, she gambled away all their money while he drank himself to despair. They were eventually evicted from their home, and penniless, she continued her habit in clubs, etc. while he became a drunk. he doesn’t know where she is today.
Jimmy is actually only 56 years old knows the Bible very well; he also made a few insightful statements which included:
“God has no favorites!”
“Kids are getting kids now, that’s why there’s so much trouble.”
“People are no more content, that’s why there’s so much divorce.”
Then he said, “Thanks for stopping to talk; you’re a Proverbs 31 woman...”
We had quite a conversation and I was surprised at the depth of his knowledge…
I find myself drawn regularly to the homeless because it reminds me of my brokenness and utter dependence on God.
Thank you Lord for making me see that without you I’m utterly hopeless, helpless, and hapless.
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