That Feeling of Helplessness

Today just started out as any other March day in Boston. Bitterly cold. However, I was inside the warm, welcoming confines of the North Station subway stop so at least I wasn't freezing to death. As I waited for the train to arrive to take me closer to work (I was REALLY early), this seemingly ordinary man stood on the edge of the platform and began shouting.

"Does anyone know how to get to the Boston DMV, and how to help me get a photo ID?!," he exclaimed. "I need it in order to get a house."

Now, I have no idea where the Boston DMV is, but there were about 70-80 or so people waiting with me so chances are someone knew...

Silence.

For about 5 seconds no one said a word, yet we all stared at that man...

"Please help me," He pleaded. "I have no money or house. I was a druggie for so long, lived on the streets and just found out a couple weeks ago that I'm HIV positive... I just need some help..." His face filled with tears as he whimpered, "I'm not trying to steal from you, but any help will do..."

My head was spinning. What was I to do? I was always leery about giving money to strangers, especially homeless druggies, but he seemed so different... There was no façade. Just a man with absolutely nothing.

In the middle of my inward battle, and just a few seconds after this man finished pleading with this crowd... the train arrived, and we all boarded and left...

I wish this story had a better ending. Frankly, as I type this so many ideas flood my mind of what I could have done differently, or the help that I could have offered. This grown man, due to desperation, begged for some help. Any help. And we... and I just left him there...

Every couple minutes I find myself praying for this guy. I can't go back now since I have work in a little bit... and that's eating at me.

For such a cultured and rich city, Boston has a lot of people struggling to pay rent, find their next meal, have a warm place to stay. God brought that right to my face this morning. They need to be loved on just as much as, if not more than, the affluent that I had aspired to reach.

I pray that this man finds the help he needs, but more importantly I pray that through God's power I can find a way to help all the hurting here. His church needs to reach Boston in a huge way, and as a part of His church, I need to reach Boston in a huge way.

So could you pray for me on this journey?

Sito

Here's some good music to reflect with.