Monday, August 11, 2008

so, are you happy?

I worked all day today at the YMCA. I love being with those little kids. I love the crap out of them. I wish I could protect them from all of the unclean, I wish I could not let them see the things they shouldn't see, and show them a prettier world full of happiness and no regret. But, as I found out today, that is impossible. A little boy told me not to long ago that his biological father touches him in his private parts. And I found out today that his father is back from Mexico and staying in Fort Wayne for an extended period of time. It is so freaking scary for me because I am only going to see this kid and his brother and sister for 4 more days and then they will be out of my life, maybe forever. All I can do is pray that our court system can at least make it very difficult for this guy to do any further damage. And just continue to pray protection over these little boys.As I left the Y today, I had every intention to go over to my friend Tom's house for some dinner. We planned on doing it yesterday when we were playing disc golf together. But, when I was driving down a busy street in Fort Wayne, I saw a woman hitch hiking. She looked like she had a horrible day, and something inside me told me that I needed to pick her up and offer her some help. I pulled down a side street, and waited for her to walk up to the point to where I was sitting. She finally got to me and I gestured for her to come over to the car. She did, and I said, "where are ya going?" She said, "well, can you take me to the highway?" I said, "hop in." She did just that, and she smelled of cheap perfume, don't know what it was, but I did recognize that fragrance from somewhere. As we drove, I said, "so, what's up?" She said she was having a horrible day, and was stranded down town. I asked her what happened that left her stranded, and she told me that it was a long story. I thought to myself for a second, and then asked her where she was trying to get to and she told me she lived in Angola which is about a 35 minute drive from my house if you get on the interstate. I said, "well, I tell ya what, if you tell me the story, then I will give you a ride." She said, "really, well okay." So, off we went. It turns out, she came into town with a female acquaintance she had met, and was going to teach this other lady the tricks of the trade..... This lady I picked up, her name was Corey, and she was a prostitute for the time being because she lost her job, and needed money. She came into Fort Wayne, to teach this other lady how to find and sleep with men for money. So, we talked. We talked about life, and all of it's short comings. She talked to me about how she loves to draw and paint, how that is her passion. We talked about her daughter who is 14. We talked about her life story and all the parts of it that didn't make sense and even the parts that did. This lady was hurting and I could tell right away. I even had this sense that told me she was a hooker. Just by the way she carried herself as she walked and looked at people. At first she thought I was a cop.....no, not a cop. Then she was just really unsure about my intention, there even came a point where she asked me if I ever dated the girls that I picked up, I said no I don't date the girls I pick up. I told her that she just looked like she was in need, and I knew I could help her out. I could feel the sense of relief come over her. I felt totally comfortable driving with her and talking with her. Once we pulled up to her house, I said this. "Corey, there is one thing I would like to ask of you." She said with her eyes squinted a bit, "what's that?" I asked her if I could pray for her before she got out of the car. She smiled and said, "of course." I prayed for her, and when I was finished, she gave me a hug with a tear in her eye.

I don't know if any of the things we talked about are going to have any impact on her life, but I do know that she needed to be loved. And that the simple act of driving this (roughly 30ish) woman was enough to open her eyes to "something bigger." galations 5:13-14 This one is worth writing out for sure.

13You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. 14The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

hey mikey,
just wanted to share this with you. you never know what happens with the seeds that are planted, and it totally sounds like a few seeds where planted with this lady, and if not planted then some where watered. true, we never know exactly what is going on with some people, we may never know what our actions may do, but do know when GOD is involved, it's all good. you could have made the biggest impression on this lady's life and she has surely felt God's love. You hear about stories like this where it was the kindest action that resulted in someone coming to know Christ, and other stories where they remmeber the kindness of a stranger in thier time of need. we never know how GOD will use situations to his glory. all we can do is share GOD's love and leave the rest up to his plan.
congrats to you.. i'm not sure i could have picked up someone along the road like that! that's why GOD had you there and not me!

take care mikey! love you, amy

Anonymous said...

GEEZE YOU HAVE THE MOST AMAZING LIFE EXPERIENCES OF ANYONE I HAVE EVER KNOWN..DAY AFTER DAY MORE EARTH SHATTERING MOMENTS..ALMOST TOO GOOD TO BELIEVE..BUT GOD IS GOOD SO IT MUST BE TRUE