Mom Keeps Giving . . . Her Walker Provides a Place of Rest

Katie says she is not homeless but you wouldn’t know that by her appearance.  She was having a hard time walking and clearly needed a pair of pants as she struggled to keep them up.  How heartbreaking to see someone in such need of basic hygiene and covering. We found some clothing for her and I brought her some soup and bread as she made her way to the bench.  

She claimed that John Lennon was her father and that she was soon to marry Chevy Chase.  I listened with interest as she shared her story which she told with absolute confidence.  If only she knew her identity as a child of God and bride of the Most Holy God!  That's how we need to view others.

Then this past week, she was hunched over more than ever and moving very slowly.  With the recent loss of David’s mom, he brought his mom’s walker out to Tompkins Square Park which had a seat that folded down as well.  How many times we would go out with his mom and she would use this walker and rest in the seat for a few minutes at a time.

Mom's life was one of generosity and so it was an honor to give the walker to this woman who had such a need and at the perfect time.  David’s mom believed in missions and wanted to be a missionary herself at a young age.  She gave money to financially support Street LIFE Ministries and other mission organizations while she herself lived on a frugal budget.  Marian VanFleet went home to be with Jesus on May 16th.  She will be missed dearly. 

That day, Katie was so thankful to be able to walk and sit as needed.   If that were not enough, Billy (also homeless) sat on the ground to help put on some shoes for her that we brought from donations.  He showed the servanthood of Jesus.

"So if I’m your teacher and lord and have just washed your dirty feet, then you should follow the example that I’ve set for you and wash one another’s dirty feet. Now do for each other what I have just done for you." John 13:14-15 The Passion Translation