Yesterday Anna and I served food with our friends from Glocal (meaning think global, act local). I met a man who was proud to share his story of freedom from prison. He'd served 7 years, 5 months and 14 days. He found his fresh start on the streets of Atlanta. Now homeless and a stranger to this community he brings with him the joy of freedom.
Today I went to an event at Ga State designed to provide resources such as health screenings, food, resume support, etc. I try to live life with my friends in the park. Sometimes that includes playing chess, sometimes that includes standing in line at the local soup kitchen, breaking bread and breaking down the barriers between us that scream I'm better than them. One time when I refused to eat food distributed in the park they asked if I was too good to eat what they eat, from then on if food is handed out, I stand in line, take a sandwich and eat with them. Living life with each other is being in community. So when I heard of todays event I walked with them 2 blocks to where the event was held, I stood in line and enjoyed the time to catch up on what's been going on. Sam was away visiting family, it was bittersweet to see him return. Sparrow has been away also, I rejoiced to hear that he is no longer on the streets, he has a place to stay with his cousin! When we reached the front of the line together to enter the building I was told "This is for clients only." The truth is I wasn't going to participate in the health screening or other services, but I wanted to walk alongside my friends as they experience the help of others. I was turned away at the door. It's hard sometimes when we are confronted with how different we are. I try so hard to show them God's love is not conditional and does not depend on the color of our skin, how clean our clothes are or where we lay our head. When something like this happens it serves as a reminder that we may be the same in God's eyes, but not man's.
