Roy And The Silence
By Mary Nella McLaughlin • April 29, 2014
Teen Challenge men were giving testimony at service one Sunday. Walking to the church I passed a man who lives in a homeless encampment. I have tried to speak to him before, to no avail.
Today I tried again. I invited him to go to church and explained who would be sharing. Many of the men had been homeless, and were putting their lives back together. He declined but we did exchange names.
"Could I bring you lunch later?"
"No, that's okay."
After church Roy was sitting in his usual place by a tree.
I asked him if I could sit with him and tell him about the testimonies at church.
He nodded.
I told him about two of the men's stories; one man had been raised in twenty-eight foster homes.
He was empathetic,
"That is a real sad way to grow up - in all those foster homes."
"Do you mind if I just sit here with you?"
He shrugged his shoulders. I took that as a 'yes.'
We sat in silence for about fifteen minutes, both of us leaning back against the tree.
Then it was time to go.
"I am going now. Thank you for letting me sit with you. You are a very peaceful person and you helped me today."
"Ah, you're alright."
Sometimes the most powerful witness is silence. It is a sound you will always remember.
PREVIOUS STORY NEXT STORY SHARE YOUR STORY
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
Dolphin Analyzes Diver's Fin, Then Brings Him Another Fin The Next Time He Sees Him
A Westie In A Wheelchair Guides A Blind Rescue Fox On Their Daily Walks
'It Was JUST Them Two': Daughter Takes Photos Of Dad On Graduation Day
2-Year-Old Boy Orders 31 Cheeseburgers Through Mom's Phone
A Man Snorkeling On Vacation Found Dentures. He Took Them On An Adventure And Found The Owner
The Importance Of Digital Literacy In K-12
Dolphin Analyzes Diver's Fin, Then Brings Him Another Fin The Next Time He Sees Him
When You Get Older And Realize That A Magical Childhood Is The Result Of Your Parent's Effort
Gorilla Pets A Groundhog At The Detroit Zoo
How To Find The Center Of A Board Without Doing Math
Man Leaves Wedding Celebration To Rescue A Dog