I have to thank God and be grateful for the people God has put in my life. Whether it is while I am riding the Metro or selling Street Sense newspapers, I thank God for my life. I have met groups of kids from other states coming here to find out how they can help the homeless in their states.
I meet people on the buses and trains who are interested in how they can help. I feel that I am here for a purpose and it is not just to sell Street Sense. It is to share my story and to make people aware of what is going on with the homeless. I have been there and done that.
It is hard to describe being homeless if you have never been there. Anyone can become homeless. I have slept on a park bench by Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va. I have slept beside a designer who helped build some of the buildings on Broad Street in Richmond. He showed me paperwork that proved he did the work.
We are all here for a reason and purpose. We have to find out what it is. I know this because I don’t know of anyone else who has been hit by two cars in one day and who is still living. So I know I have a purpose.
So I am grateful for Pam, Donna and Mary from McLean, Va. Hi-five to Jack, who I met at Farragut North and everyone I have met on my journey. If it weren’t for them, God and Ted Leonsis, I don’t know where I would be, because I was on a crash course when I was out on the streets. I am also grateful for Bobby Banks and Glen at Embassy Autowash in McLean for working with me in a job, even with my health condition. No one else would do that for me. Even my property manager, where I live, has helped me with encouragement here and there.
Here is a prayer I am trying to start everyday:
Dear God, You have brought me to the beginning of a new day. I ask you to renew my heart with your strength and purpose. Forgive my errors of yesterday and help me walk closer to Your way today.
Shine through me so that every person I meet may feel Your presence in their soul. Take my hand for I can’t make it by myself. I love you God.
I struggle every day. I am not perfect but I am working daily on myself.
Thank you God for the people you have put in my life. I am grateful for each and every one of them.
