Just Me And The Man On The Porch

Out of all of the people I’ve had the pleasure to meet, I will never forget a man named Tim. He lost everything, but what the enemy couldn’t take from him was his heart. His spirit. His character. His purpose.

Let Me Tell You How I Met Him...

As I was driving into town to find someone to give the surprise cake to, I rode by a beautiful house, painted in a fresh coat of white and calligraphy blue paint, on South Main Street. There was a For Sale sign in the yard. Lying on the porch was a man. He was asleep and his backpack was his pillow. I knew he was the one to give it to.

I Pulled Over And...

Got out of the car. In my hands was a freshly made, vanilla pound cake. I could feel the warmth of the cake in the box as I held it with one hand and had the flowers and note in the other. I walked slowly, being careful not to startle him awake. In a low voice, I said “Excuse me. Excuse me, Mister. I have something for you.”

He Sat Up...

Head held low and with his eyes barely open, he said “Yes ma’am?”. I asked if I could sit down next to him. He said yes and then proceeded to apologize for his appearance. He hadn’t bathed in quite some time. I said, “No need to apologize. We’re all human.” I didn’t care about that. I just wanted to love on him.

I Took My Place Beside Him...

Looking at him attentively, eager to meet his eyes with mine. I needed to see his eyes. So he’d know that I am real and I was really there. He raised his head just enough where I could see his eyes. He had the prettiest ocean blue eyes. I met him with a big smile. The kind of smile when you spot someone you know out of a crowd of people. I was so happy to see him, to be there with him. 

Although I've Never...

Seen him before, he felt so familiar. Like I’ve always known him. Like our hearts and souls were catching up after all these years. We talked and talked and talked. He said he didn’t deserve the gifts but I told him he did. I could hear the pain in his voice and feel his brokenness, but I also felt that there was still good in him too. He just couldn’t see it. This is why community is so important. This is why we need each other. To speak life into each other and lift each other up when we can’t do it for ourselves.

Before We Parted Ways...

I asked if I could pray with him. He agreed and as we held each other’s hands, we closed our eyes and I said a prayer. I spoke divine blessings and abundance in his life. I prayed that God would continue to watch over him and protect him. I prayed for his heart; that the enemy wouldn’t take that too. I prayed for restoration and healing over him. We both ended the prayer with Amen. He kissed my hand and thanked me. I gave him a hug. I told him I loved him and waved goodbye.

I Think About...

Tim often. I hope life is treating him well. I wonder if he was able to get into his new apartment like he told me about. If I ever get the chance, I hope I get to see him again.

The Most Powerful...

Person in the world isn’t the richest. It has nothing to do with money or title or position. It’s the one that gets knocked down and gets back up again and again. It’s the one who may feel defeated, but carry a spirit of perseverance anyway. A true kingdom warrior. That’s Tim. That’s me and that’s you too.

Dear Reader...

I leave you with this: be careful not to step over or walk by someone like they aren’t there. Be careful not to mistreat or judge those who may be in a less fortunate situation than you. They want your respect, not your pity. Help them, encourage them, feed them, clothe them, sit with them, acknowledge them. See them as a person, see their heart, not their situation. You just may be entertaining Angels.

This Is How...

We heal our community, our country, our world. By caring and loving each other as God loves us.

Written with love & a dash of suga,

Meika