Loving the Least of These

Yesterday afternoon I received a phone call from Teresa, my friend Ashleys momma, and she told me that her and her husband had read my blog about Alice the lady thats homeless that stays under the bridge behind the Salvation Army, she went on to ask me how they could help. And as I try to keep myself composed, I told her that Alice had been asking for a few nights stay in a hotel. To which she responed by saying, "we'll drive down tonight, and we'll go with you to pick her up and get her to a hotel, so she can stay a couple nights, because its getting pretty cold out." So they drove the hour long drive down here in the cold, snowy weather to come and be a part of our ministry, to be a blessing in someones life who so desperately needs it. When they arrived they met Anna and I at McDonalds and we picked up a few hamburgers and fries, and headed downtown. We went straight to the Salvation Army in hopes of finding Alice under the bridge, and sure enough there she was. Sitting in her little plastic chair, in the snow, wearing few layers of clothes, a coat, and probably 3 blankets on top of her trying to keep warm, and get some rest. We jumped out of the car, and walked over to talk to her, and she uncovered herself enough so we could see her face, and Teresa told her that we had brought some hamburgers down and asked if she wanted some, and she gladly accepted. Then we asked if she would like to go stay in a hotel for a couple of nights, and her face lit up! She said "yes I really would." So we helped her get up, and got her stuff in the truck, and all 5 of us piled in the truck and set out in search of a hotel. On the ride over to south side Alice talked a whole bunch about her journey, and her past. She talked about her two kids who dont live around here, and that she hasnt seen in over 8 years. We got to the hotel that Alice had mentioned to us, and it was all full, so they directed us to another hotel that we could try called the Log Cabin Hotel, so we continued our drive. We arrived, and after searching for the office, and FINALLY finding it, Rc went in and paid for not just a few nights, but a whole WEEK!! So we drove over to room 18, walked Alice in, and got all of her stuff in for her, made sure the TV and fridge worked, and then we left so Alice could lay down and get some rest, becuase she hadnt been able to actually lay down for over 6 weeks! I think thats what she was most excited for, I'm sure that trying to sleep sitting up isnt the easiest task. When we got back in the truck Rc suggested that we get some food and take it back to her becuase the hotel shes in is not within walking distance of the Salvation Army where she gets her meals from, so we headed down to Save a Lot and got some bread and lunch meat, chips, crackers, and some juice to last her the week. We took it back to the hotel, and once again, she lit up with excitement! It was truely a blessed evening. I was amazed that Teresa and Rc went out of their way to drive down here last night to be a blessing to Alice, and not only that, but they went above and beyond the call. They gave it 150%, they werent going to just settle for getting her in a hotel, but they wanted to know that she would be ok there for a week. It was a humbling evening and a gentle reminder that as Christians we are called to go above and beyond. We cant just settle for the injustices of the world, we are called to change it. Last night, Anna and I were blessed to be a part of that change as we joined Teresa and Rc in call from God that was placed on their hearts. And how beautiful it is to watch the world change right before your eyes.

Rc, Alice, and Teresa

Teresa hugging on Alice











Alice and I










Blessings on your day!