Over the past couple of months that I have been riding with
UBFM, I have encountered many new friends living on the streets of Memphis. My
first connection was with a lady named Johnny May. She was hesitant at first
when I approached her with a smile and a dinner proposal, but once the actual
exchange of my hands being emptied and her hands being filled, the whole conversation
changed; a warmer face appeared, softened by an inkling of trust and
appreciation. One step further, when she realized there was no catch or long
speech attached, she politely suggested, “A young lady shouldn’t be out here in
this part of town alone. It’s dangerous.” I pointed to some other members
riding with me that night, who were a little ways down the road, explaining
that we all ride together. She retorted, “Well, you make sure they take care of
you. God bless.”
Although short and sweet, this experience stays with me.
When you care, a stranger can care right on back. I don’t know if Johnny May
was homeless, but I do know she was alone and hungry. She didn’t know me, but
that night she saw a young girl, riding a bike at ten o’clock at night, alone,
on the streets of Memphis, caring that she was hungry.
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
–Colossians 3:12
Last night, I met a new friend named Frank. He is a
sixty-two-year-old veteran, taking care of his grandchildren, who are now
grown. He was afraid to take anything from us at first because he has been
arrested in the past for asking for food. When we assured him we wouldn’t let
that happen, he happily took in some dinner and began to share with us a little
about himself.
“We all slip and fall. And that’s okay, because at the end
of the day, we are all just alright. God is good. We are alright.”
He went on to commend our bravery for being on the dangerous
streets of Memphis, sharing God’s love with those less fortunate. We are all
indeed the children of God, all loved equally. I hope I get to see Frank again.
Frank reminded me of this literary gem from, The Prophet, that I
have held close for a long time. It’s a small portion of the actual book, but
grand in what UBFM stands for.
“You are the bows from
which your children
as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark
upon the path of the infinite,
and He bends you with His might
that His arrows
may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer’s hand be for
gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
so He loves also the bow
that is stable.”
-A UBFM Member
