I saw her when I went to grab some lunch. A homeless woman begging for help on a familiar corner. I see a few faces now and again but don’t often carry cash. Today I had a few bucks and as I tried to eat, my thoughts kept going back to her form. I hadn’t even seen her face yet. It was useless to try and finish so I put my tray back and headed for the door without any idea of what I might say to her.
I detest condescending attitudes myself and I wanted to take care with her dignity. She was precious to my Father and I knew it. When I got to the truck I still had an unopened bottle of water. I grabbed that and the remainder of my cash to go talk to this friend whose name I did not yet know.
It was a busy place very near my work and I said a quiet prayer that I would be hidden from all prying eyes. It would wound me to be prideful about sharing a moment of compassion.
The bottle of water was the ice breaker. She said she hadn’t had anything to drink and my heart ached for her. I was honest to say I didn’t have much but she was welcome to what I did have and she spoke, “anything helps”. This small act of kindness seemed little enough so I asked her if she would like me to pray for her.
I shared with her the heart of Jesus who is help and hope. She suffered from fear, sickness and disease. Her home was a temporary hotel room. When I asked her name I laughed when she told me, “Bobbie”. I had been missing my husband to the degree it was hurting my heart. Before I left her, she gave me the gift of letting me hug another “Bobbie” with blue eyes of real warmth.