HOMELESSNESS REFRAMED

I’m homeless.

I live in a town where we have several transient communities. I’ve had refreshing conversations with this often-overlooked population.

Today, my walk intersected with Chris. He sat on a church’s brick wall with a backpack at his feet.  I stopped, smiled, and said, “You got a front row seat for this sunrise!” His expression was partially guarded, partially grateful that someone acknowledged him. He replied, “I was just sitting here trying to pray louder than what was running through my head.”

I apologized for interrupting his prayer time. He assured me I wasn’t bothering him and volunteered his name. Chris. I introduced myself as Christina and he pointed out that our names mean followers of Christ.

We chatted a bit before I asked Chris if he lived nearby. He looked down and said, “I’m homeless.” I gently said, “You may live in a different housing situation than others, but if home is where the heart is, clearly you have a beating heart.”

He chuckled and said, “That’s a new perspective. Most people see me as just another homeless guy.” I added, “Well, maybe others in conventional housing only wish they didn’t have a roof or lawn to maintain. “I added that Jesus was technically homeless on earth. Jesus said foxes have holes and birds have nests, but He had nowhere to lay His head (Mt. 8:20).

Chris pointed to the woods nearby. “I live in those woods.” I said, “So you get to live with the fox and birds.” He smiled and said, “Yeah, sometimes they’re better than some roommates I’ve had.” We laughed and I sensed it was time for us to part ways.

Just before we said goodbye, Chris told me he has a weed wacker to trim brush and weeds for businesses. He’s saving his lawncare money to get an apartment and a larger bike. I congratulated him and said I believe God will give him courage to face every minute.

As Chris hopped on his kid-sized bicycle, I said, “You know, neither of us asked for each other’s last name. It’s kinda ironic. I don’t know Jesus’s last name either but 2000 years later, His One name still means everything.”

We thanked each other for our talk and as I left, I said, “Chris, I believe in what God’s doing and will do in your life.” He smiled and said, “Thanks, I’ll keep flying with the sparrows.” He hiked his backpack over his shoulder, jumped on his tiny bicycle and rode away.”

I reflected on that conversation all day. Theoretically, we could all be labeled homeless. On earth, every job, house, possession, and business are transient. All will depreciate and erode. Only God’s Eternal Home will outlast everything. If we believe God meant that He’s prepared a heavenly home for all believers (John 14:2-3), we strive to trust Him at His Word.

For now, I leave my earthly house to walk the neighborhood. I’ll watch for Chris and God’s sparrows.

Eternally Homebound,

Christina, Follower of Christ

“And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head” (Mt. 8:20 NKJV).