HE MATTERS

(Photo by Toby Osborn on Unsplash)

While out walking last summer, I came upon a young man obviously in a heated exchange with some family members. As I circled the neighborhood, I first witnessed him pleading with an older woman through the open window of her car, then running after her as she drove away. The woman soon returned, more words were exchanged, and some younger women (sisters?) entered the argument. I went on with my walk, but once I headed for home, I found the young man coming toward me–looking down, hiding his face.

“Are you okay?” I asked. He looked up, and I saw his tears…

“Ma’am, I try so hard to be respectful, to do what is right.” That’s when I noticed his hands were bloodied, as if clawed by someone’s fingernails. He was so earnest, so helpless, that I said I believed he was doing his best and I was sorry for what had happened. I put my hand on my heart and ended with, “God bless you.”

“Thank you, Ma’am.”

Last week, I was surprised to find several police cars in front of his home and four officers talking with another man on the lawn. I began to reverse my direction, but then I saw my young friend on the porch–turning away with his head down–so I walked closer and called out again, “Are you okay, Honey?”

He turned back, looked up, gave me a weak smile and quietly said, “Oh I remember you! Yeah… I will be okay. I just need to figure out my life. Will you please pray for me?” I put my hand on my heart again and assured him, “Yes I will–what’s your first name?” He told me, then…

“Thank you, Ma’am.”

Resuming my walk, I rounded the corner and encountered another man watching the scene. “Don’t feel sorry for him, he’s a piece of s—,” he admonished. I looked at him intently and replied, “I DO feel sorry for him,” as I walked on. And I do.

I don’t know his full story, but from what I have witnessed, I know that life isn’t easy for this young man. And I know that no matter what he has done, he has value and worth and is beloved of God. Now in our morning prayers, Jim and I ask God to watch over him, to give him comfort, wisdom, and peace. I hope that in those moments of care and concern, of asking and listening, of regarding him as precious and dear, he will know he matters to me, and– most of all–he matters to God.

No matter what.