Listen to what he says. {Graffiti Summer}

I am joining Lisa-Jo Baker and others for Five Minute Friday. Lisa-Jo provides us with a word prompt and we are to write for five minutes with "no extreme editing; no worrying about perfect grammar, font, or punctuation."

Today's word: Listen

Remember my homeless veteran friend, Bob? Oh, if you do not know about him, would you please take a moment to stop over here? I'm not sure why, but God has given me a soft heart towards Bob.

GO

He sits on a busy corner I happen to pass by every week day on my way home from work. I've seen him a few more times since the day when I finally stopped and crossed over the street to greet him. Since that day, I drive on by and ask God, "How do I really help Bob?" As I wait for God to respond, I feel not up to the task of crossing over to the other side of street again.

There he was again yesterday. It was a warm sunny day. I almost missed him as I got carried away singing along to a new song I've been listening to again and again.

"I'm longing for You, Lord

I need You to fill me more and more
I'm desperate for You, Jesus
Whatever You have to do
Make me more like You"
More Like You, by Kim Hill

God's voice came through over the song and He told me exactly what He wanted me to do. "Stop your car, Beth. Grab those McDonald's gift cards you've been waiting to bless someone with and make your way over to Bob. But this time I want you to really listen to what Bob has to say."

So off to the other side of the street I went to listen to what Bob had on his heart to say.

I listen as he tells me about his eight children and many, many grandchildren. He could live with any one of his children, but he manages to squeak on by on his own.

I listen to his words soften with a hint of sorrow when he mentions his autistic grandchild. He's been reading books on how to care for him as he may soon spend his days watching this grandchild of his.

I listen as he shares about his days in Vietnam. His voice gets a bit agitated over the men and women still fighting for this country. He wonders why.

I listen to him even closer when he opens his heart about ministering to children who gather in the area he calls home for now. Their mothers are addicted to drugs and oh how he hates to see these kids suffer.

I listen to him—I really listen—when he says he talks to Jesus every day. My heart breaks as I listen to him say, "Beth, He never responds."

Before we parted ways I told Bob, "Don't lose your faith, Bob. Keep talking. He is listening. And so am I."

STOP

To read more on my #GraffitiSummer journey, go here.