Veterans are 50% more likely* to experience homelessness due to a lack of support, resources,…
A Volunteer Angel – Luis’s Story
A Volunteer Angel Among Us
“If you look for the helpers, you’ll know there’s hope” ~ Fred Rogers
The man had just received a good, clean, hot shower and had come off the bus. He sat down on a chair, but was leaning slightly to one side and was just holding his shoes and socks. Another of our guests, a lady, said, “He can’t put his socks on.” He needed a volunteer angel!
That’s all Luis needed to hear. He was on his knees in a spit second, giving the man what he needed. Now, this might not seem like a very big deal, but when you consider that people who live on the street seldom get pedicures, you’ll realize that it is! Luis is a volunteer angel because he was there, working tirelessly the whole time. We were at First Baptist Church in Pompano with Grace, the mobile shower bus. Rise Church had sent a crew of volunteers and we were all happily giving what we could. But Luis went above and beyond with that man.
As Luis took great care in putting on the brand new socks, the woman who spoke watched with a sad smile. “I see him all the time”, she said, “he had a stroke and he has trouble getting around. His shoes are often not completely on his feet.” Tears rolled down her cheeks as she spoke to see such love in action.
Look For The Helpers
When we need clean socks and dry shoes, we can just go to our closet and get them! But when you live out in the open on the streets, you can’t do that. Imagine what your feet would be like if you had to wear the same socks and shoes every day. Imagine you were spending all day on those poor feet! This is why it is so important to offer these showers, complete with new underwear, new t-shirt and new socks!!
It is heartening to know that there are volunteer angels out there who care enough to give of themselves. They give of themselves to other human beings who are lonely, suffering and often forgotten. When Luis got down on his knees to hold that man’s feet in his hands, the atmosphere changed for us all. Not only did the man feel refreshed and restored on the outside, but it was apparent that Luis’s act of love and humility was appreciated. It was clear that he felt a little more self-worth at the end of it.
Showering Love’s Purpose
Showering Love’s purpose here was to be there in that moment to connect humankind. They connected the shower, the man, the woman, Luis and all of us who witnessed this beautiful exchange. Most assuredly, Showering Love will be there for many more volunteer angel connection to come!
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