Thankful: Holly’s Thankful for Steven

I met Jesus today. He was about 6’2″, slender and walked with a slight limp. He’s has 3 surgeries to repair his broken back, but everyday he experiences excruciating pain. He’s got a beard speckled with grey, auburn and black hair. While we talk he nestles his hands under his chin and plays periodically with his beard. He holds a cigarette in his left hand, which is mostly ignored. His eyes speak volumes, as do the dark circles under his eyes. He wears a black hooded sweatshirt, jeans and work boots. A former Hells Angel, I see the tattoos on his hands and neck testifying of a past life. He’s been sober 17 years now.

Not exactly what you hand in mind was it? Ya. Well, me either.

 Matthew 25:37-40  “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

What did I do when I met Jesus today? I listened. He had a lot to say.

I was sent on specific mission today: Listen to people’s stories. It seemed a bit odd considering the circumstances. Less than 5 weeks ago, a flood devastated our area. The news has stopped talking about it. Our congregations have stopped talking about it. And when people seemingly stop talking about someone or something….well, it’s forgotten. In hearing people’s stories, my hope is to spark action. How do you not react when you meet Jesus?

Let me get back to him. He’s the one with the story after all. It all started about 6 years ago. His wife was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, which needed to be removed. The doctor ended up botching the surgery so badly, they needed to do 3 more surgeries in order to “fix” the damage he had done. During her recovery, Steven (that’s his real name) had been suffering stomach and backaches. Trying to put food on the table for his family, being that he was the only one working, he kept putting off going to see the doctor. When his wife forced him to finally go the doctors found he had stage 3 cancer. His 16 year old, decided to move in with her boyfriend and his family. She proceeded to get pregnant and have a baby who was born blind. Because her boyfriend’s stepfather was a registered sex offender CPS gave her baby to Steven and his wife. They are living purely on disability– after surviving cancer Steven broke his back at work (as mentioned earlier). His daughter proceeds to have another baby, which immediately gets taken away and given to Steven and his wife to take care of.

Two weeks later, the flood hits Steven’s home.

His heartbreaking story continues…and it doesn’t get better. Not at all. For 45 minutes as we stand out in his driveway–as he talks, I stand with mouth agape.  Water still standing in his yard. His house is INCHES away from being condemned. He proclaims that God has provided for him and his family every step of the way, but that he has lost faith in man. He shares example after example of how people had let him down. With a heavy heart, I let him know we will continue to help and pray. He thanks for me listening and we part ways. Me on to my next story….him on to more work.

I walk away thankful for having heard Steven’s story. It’s an extraordinary one I know, but it’s real-life. The story of a man who continues to stand on Jesus His Rock. Even when the waters rise and the rains fall. Mostly, I am thankful for Steven.

Holly is a 27-year old closet writer who doesn’t write nearly as much as she should. She’s a self admitted coffee addict and isn’t looking to break her addiction anytime soon.

Photobucket image

Please Follow & Like