Want to jump-start your day right? Stop by 18th and K streets and talk to Alexander Archer, a Street Sense vendor. What a great guy.
It’s so nice (and rare) in the city of Washington, D.C. to walk the streets and hear someone give you a genuine, “Hello sir. Have a nice day, and God Bless you.” What I mean by genuine is that he does not expect anything in return. After hearing this for a couple of days, I stopped to talk with this person and found a wonderful, interesting, and caring person behind the greeting. And now I consider Alexander a true friend, because when I come by, he asks how I am, how my weekend was, and even about my family. Once I mentioned I was going on a trip and when I saw Alexander again, he asked me how my trip was- he remembered!
So I thought, how can I encourage and inspire this man. These thoughts, he has turned around on me. Instead, he encourages and inspires me daily, especially when we talk about our love for Jesus. I could stand and talk to Alexander for a long time, but unfortunately, I often have to break off the conversation, so I can get to work, and let him get back to work because he greets many, many more people just like he greets me.
So, I don’t want to hold him up from jump-starting the days of others like he jump-starts mine. Alexander never pushes, or even mentions the Street Sense newspapers that he holds in front of him, but I see many of the regulars who come by buy the paper- his kind and genuine greeting sells the papers. I look forward to see Alexander faithfully, standing at 18th and K. He gives me a jump-start everyday. You have a good man there, Street Sense.
– Don Robinson
Donald Brooks got me “hooked” on reading Street Sense after I read the feature vendor article about him. I look forward to purchasing the newspaper each week to read the various articles and especially the feature vendor. It does my soul good to know that with the right help people can start over.
In Donald’s article I couldn’t have expressed it better myself that it doesn’t what your background is or your education or profession, but there for the grace of God go I. There have been several times in my life, because of the position I’m in, the job is here today and gone tomorrow, and that’s politics. I have been very close to one mortgage payment from the street, but for the grace of God I was spared.
Donald, I’m very proud of you. I know it has been a very difficult struggle, but I know you will make it.
Congratulations on making it back. We will keep you in our prayers for continued success.
– Marty Weber
Below are two comments that our vendor Leo Gnawa received concerning his editorial last month on the Wizard’s playoff success.
Reading your article put things into perspective for me and helped me to appreciate what I have. Your article lent me your wisdom about our true blessings, the ones we often take for granted. Thanks for a great article. Keep on it. God Bless.
– Ashley Casselman
I just wanted to let you know what an inspiration your writing was, particularly about not taking for granted all the blessings we do have and realizing that “success” usually happens in steps.
– Monique
