Today, I was outside the rescue mission and met a man named Ron. Originally from South Carolina, Ron had moved to San Francisco in the 60s because he believed he would be more accepted there. We had an engaging conversation for almost an hour about his adventures around the world. Ron had traveled extensively and had a wealth of unique life experiences. Although he didn’t delve into specifics, he mentioned that he had once been wealthy but made some poor choices that led him to struggle for survival.
Ron confided in me that he felt ashamed for leaving a bar to stand in line for food at the church. He expressed guilt over leading one lifestyle and then seeking help from a religious organization. As I sat with him, I couldn’t help but recall the story of the woman at the well in the Bible. Jesus didn’t avoid speaking truth to her; he told her to “Go and sin no more.” However, he also showed her immense love and offered hope that she could overcome her struggles.
I shared with Ron that there is hope in his situation, that there is a God who loves him unconditionally, and that he shouldn’t feel ashamed about walking into the church. I emphasized that the church is a place for those who are struggling, where truth is shared but where the love of Jesus is also extended without judgment. - story from Lauren