We met that day. I had just started volunteering at the homeless shelter. I committed to showing up every other week to talk to the people, sit with them as they ate, and get to know them. When I first approached the table she was leery of me sitting by her. Her response to my hello was, “I likes keepin’ me-self to me-self.” I gently started a conversation and her hesitancy towards me faded as the conversation went on. I told her I had just turned forty. She said she was 40 too. I smiled and said, “Ah, we are the same age!” She looked at me and said slowly, showing the four teeth she had left, “We have lived very different lives.” It was said sadly and it was very true. She grew up in the government care system in an urban setting since she was six. I grew up in a house with two parents in the countryside of Wisconsin. We both have children but hers were taken from her in the hospital the day she gave birth. Her three girls are in the government foster care system. She knows their names but they don’t want to see her. She has known so much hurt and seen things I couldn’t even imagine. 

I prayed silently, “Lord, what can I say to this woman to give her hope?” I had been asked to come and give the daily Gospel message to the group. I struggled inside. Why would they want to listen to me? I know so little of the reality they face day after day. Belief in God rolls off the tongue easily when you are living with the daily luxuries of money in the bank, food in the fridge, a warm home with doors to lock at night. She was right… we have lived very different lives. So what can I say to her to offer her hope? 

You are loved. I started my message to the group with the question, “If you met God in the park today and sat down on the bench with Him, what would He say to you?” And then I went to Psalms 139 and started reading. He loves you. While we were still sinners, He took the first step toward us! He made a way. He still is providing an opportunity for new life. Whatever events surrounded your birth, your life is not an accident! 

That’s what we have in common. Her and I, we are both deeply loved by God. And you are too. So take a moment to rest in that truth right now. And whoever you meet today, ask God for the opportunity to show them through your words or actions that they are loved by God! Everyone needs more hope in their lives.