Our family was planning a move from California back to my home state of Utah. It was getting close to Christmas and, having some business to take care of in Utah, I decided to drive there with a van load of critical items. I was driving alone, and as I neared Las Vegas, I thought, “There is nothing real or wholesome for me in this city. I will not stop, except to get gas on the uncongested northernmost tip of the metropolis where the city fades back into desert.”
I did so and resumed my drive North, climbing the hill to where the city begins to disappear from view. There I saw a man hitchhiking, hopefully raising his hand. I immediately thought, “I don’t stop for hitchhikers…” but simultaneously I also felt a strong impression, “Stop and pick him up…” I drove by him as I considered the impression and recalled the scripture that we are all beggars before God (Mosiah 4:19 BofM ). I went to the nearest exit, doubled back and approached him again.
This time, he didn’t even look back as I drove up behind him. He didn’t raise his hand. His shoulders were slumped and he appeared dejected. I passed him again while dropping speed to stop on the shoulder of the highway, and when he saw it, he began a hopeful, hobbled run.
He climbed gratefully into the van and told me that his name was Dick and that he had to leave the city or die there. His feet were bleeding and he was clearly dehydrated. He explained that he just wanted to get back to Denver where he had been working as a cook at Denny’s and was hopeful they would take him back. He asked if I would just drive him to the junction North of St. George where he could hitchhike further, but I ended up taking him further, to Salt Lake, and helped him on a bus to Denver.
He had left his job in Denver to enjoy some time in Vegas and possibly find work there. In so doing, he had gone to a house of ill-repute where they stole his wallet. Shortly after that, his car was impounded just as he had started work with a detail of men, but without a car, he couldn’t continue and he soon found himself unemployed, with no money, and homeless.
The casinos were quick to remove homeless people from their premises, so he took the full brunt of the heat of that summer outside. He begged for any money people would give and would save that money for a weekly discount day when hamburgers were half of the normal cost. The desperate strait he found himself in culminated in his walk into the desert, with grim resolution to attempt the journey on foot or die trying.
The time driving Dick to Salt Lake is a dear memory. It was pleasant to have his company on the road, and I was very touched when he said, “I’ve lived my whole life with no one showing me kindness like you have, and this from a total stranger.” Truthfully, that stung my heart somewhat because I thought of all the judgmental times when I have looked away from the homeless.
This story came back to me this month as 10 of us in a brass ensemble put on a mini-Christmas concert at the Ogden Homeless Shelter. It was a special memory. One older woman was particularly touching to watch. Her gratitude was reflected in her excited banter with others. She got so excited to hear what we were going to play next, and during many pieces we could tell her heart was being touched as she closed her eyes to hold back her tears. She came up and shook each of our hands and hugged the woman in our group. We were all grateful to her. There was hardship in the eyes of many there. It was sacred ground for me and a blessing to be there.
I remember a near and dear relative giving over $100 of very limited funds and sacrificing their own Christmas to give to needy families. This is the true Spirit of Christ reflected in the words of James.
Let us be grateful for every child of God we associate with. And in doing so, may our hearts be filled with giving!
Related Posts: Reaching out to Others