Yesterday, I did something I dont normally do: I was in the grocery store, and I saw a man walk up to the service desk and ask for a job application. The woman behind the counter explained that all job applications are online now. Looking disappointed, he grabbed his bag, said Thank you. and walked toward the exit. For some reason, my heart went out to the guy. I hoped that life was going well for him. I hoped that he would find a job. A few minutes later, I finished up at the service desk and was headed out of the store. When I exited, I saw the same man sitting on a bench by a newspaper machine. Instantly, I felt God tell me to go and talk to the man. So what did I do? I went to my car and argued with the Lord: God, I dont even know the guy! He looks like he could beat me up! Hes going to think I was eavesdropping! And God said, Chance, itll be fine. Simply go talk to the man. So, reluctantly, I got out of the car and approached him. Sir, did I hear correctly that you are looking for a job? I asked. Why, yes I am. he replied. Tell me a little about yourself. I said. He then explained his life story to me. D, well call him, was a paramedic for several years, before he learned how to weld. Life was good for him while he was a welder, but that all changed after his injury; while helping a friend, he broke his back and spent a long time in the hospital. As he explained this, he lifted up his shirt to reveal a sixteen inch long, three inch wide scar, running up and down his spine. He said that he needed a job, but couldnt work like he used to be able to. I said to him, Now I know about your work history, tell me about yourself. He continued by saying that life was hard for him. His girlfriend, whom he loved dearly, left him when he found out that he had a daughter from a previous relationship. Not only was this difficult because he loved his girlfriend, but it was even more painful because he had grown very attached to her daughters that he was helping raise. I asked if he was able to have a relationship with the daughter he recently learned of. He said that he was able to see her, but not as much as he liked. Furthermore, he described how his family was very racist, and they were not accepting of her (the mother, Ds previous girlfriend, was Mexican). As D told me his story, I could seen pain in his eyes. He needs help. More than that though, he needs Jesus. He could have been lying, yes, but I believe his story. I told him that I would do my best to help him find a job. I told him that I would hit up my friends and contacts to see if anyone could help. And then I really stepped out of my comfort zone: D, this is going to sound really weird, but when I saw you sitting out here on the bench, I really felt like God told me to come talk to you. (awkward pause) Shaking his head, Thats not weird at all. I believe in God, I just dont talk about my beliefs that much. I asked D if we could pray together. We did, in the Shop N Save parking lot on North Grand. Before I left, I got Ds contact information because I told him Id try to help. D is a 47 year old male. He wants to work. Hes no good behind a desk he says, but hes up for manual labor. He spent time in the medical field and welded for several years. Hes go no wheels, but can walk or ride a bike. Can you help me help D? If you know of any openings or have something he could help with, PM me. P.S. After telling my story to one of my best friends, Tyler Miller, he said, [Going out of your comfort zone] never is as bad as you think. Hes right. So right.
Posted on: Thu, 31 Jul 2014 15:11:30 +0000
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