I watched the interview of Ted Williams the homeless guy with the "Golden Voice" that now almost everyone knows, on the TODAY show this morning.. The two most impressive things I heard him say were first in his answer to Meridith Vieira's question about how he kicked his drug and alcohol addition and could stay away in light of what's now and potentially will happen in his life. He answered by saying that it was because of his relationship with the Lord, that for his entire life he never gave credit or praise to God for anything, but now he gives thanks to the Lord for everything in his life and has been for the last two years.. I wonder how Ted would answer the following question.. How does he see his 10 years of drug, addiction and homelessness in-light of where he is today? The second thing he said was that he pleaded and asked people watching not to reject the request from the needy and homeless we encounter and to not pass judgement or think about what they will or will not do with what we give them.
Years ago I had the privilege of hearing the pastor Brother Barrett who ran one of the homeless missions in downtown Atlanta speak and every time he would tell us materially blessed people "that all that separated us from homelessness was just a pay-check and a bar of soap".... for far too many us this is a true statement. Also in my past I've had the honor to work the overnight shift at the MUST Homeless shelter in Marietta and this point was really driven home when on occasions I got to talk with some of those staying in the shelter.. Many of those in the shelter were like Ted, recovered from or on the road to recovery from substance addition, everyone I met had a great humility about them and a appreciation for almost the most trival things like a new pair of socks or a new razor to shave with.. The biggest thing I learned though, as Brother Barrett spoke to, was how there is such a thin line between my life and the life of homelessness...
As with what Ted said I've made it a point in my life, not to perfection, that when I encounter a homeless person on the street or wherever I give them whatever I have in my pockets..
1st John 3 says..
16 We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister[f] in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?
Who is your brother, well its the same answer as to who is your neighbor, everyone.. There are many more Ted's out there who have been in the pit, yes for him by his own hands, but it appears he has humbled himself before the lord and God has provided him a hand-up.. I pray that Ted is able to handle all of this and it continues to be a great story and becomes more than something to make us feel good for a few minutes or day, but something that helps us all find a deeper calling to help those in need around us in particular those whom God might place in their path to help out..
