In 2008, I signed up for choir mission project through Operation Care, a homeless ministry. We showed up early that Saturday at the Dallas Convention Center to give a mini-concert and afterwards were to either serve food, give out blankets, clothing, shoes, counseling. So I was eager to help.
The Dallas Convention Center is huge, and it’s a good thing, because over 10,000 homeless from the Dallas Fort Worth area showed up. After the concert, the choir dispersed for our ministry duties. I got in line for assignment. I was nearing the front of the line when I found out it was the line to wash feet. I panicked. “I can’t wash feet,” I thought to myself, “I just want to pass out shoes, that’s safe.” Looking at the long line behind me I realized that what I didn’t want to do was exactly what I was going to do.
Given our supplies, hygienic instructions, gloves, and station, I went to work. I met people of all ages, singles, married, families … all with heart-wrenching stories. In the short time spent with each person I prayed they would know someone cared. Each walked out with clean feet, fresh socks, new shoes, clothes, blankets, hot food, even a haircut if they wanted. Were they changed? I don’t know, but I sure was.
It was as I was leaving the Convention Center that I saw him. An attorney I had worked with at a prestigious Dallas law firm was waiting in line to get in. It was obvious the past few years had not been good to him. Looking right at me, his glazed eyes showed no sign of recognition. As I drove home I thanked God for the day and realized that, but for God’s Grace, there I’d be.
Tagged: homelessness, hymns and music
