That's why!

One of my responsibilities at work is to work with the people in our neighborhood who need assistance. That could mean food, rent, utilities or just listening to them talk.

I'm not able to give everyone what the ask for. Sometimes I can only listen.

About a year ago a woman came to the office in tears. Her boyfriend left her and her son. (Junior High age) He took all the money and she didn't know what she was going to do. Her son was an angry young man, not doing well at school. She asked for help with rent. I wasn't able to give her any money. I sat with her for almost an hour. Listening. I wanted to help her but there wasn't anything I could do.

During our conversation she mentioned her need for "medical marijuana". After a couple seconds I realised there wasn't a medical reason for her smoking. I asked her if she was really surprised her son was so angry when he saw the things going on in the house, drug abuse and fighting with her boyfriend. She only cried.

Before she left I prayed with and for her. I prayed God would comfort her and draw her to Him. I prayed God would help her.

Over the the last year I talked with her son when he came by to pick up a bus pass. I always asked how he and his mom were doing. Sometimes he would say "good" and other times he would just shrug his shoulders. Usually he would shrug his shoulders.

Last Sunday at Church she came up to me and asked if I remembered her. I said I did (expecting her to ask for help). She said she wanted to thank me for the time I spent with her that day. She said that it meant everything to her that I would spend the time to listen and pray for her.

Her son is getting straight A's. She has a job and has stopped smoking. They are getting ready to move to a better apartment. Things are looking up.

Some have asked me why do I want to do what I do.


I can honestly say...That's why.








Robert