By Sister Sirley Tarpley,
What seemed to be a homeless man walking into town and after a townsman learned the man’s story he discovered that the stranger wasn’t what he seemed to be.
He said, “My friend Daniel wasn’t homeless; he was on a mission and lived this way by choice.
The townsman asked, “What’s it like to walk into a town carrying all your things on your back and showing your sign that reads, “I will work for food?”
“It was humiliating at first; people stared and made comments. Someone once tossed a half-eaten bread slice and made a gesture; I didn’t feel welcome.
Then it became humbling to realize that God used me to touch lives and change people’s concepts of other folks like me.”
We finished our dessert and gathered his things. Outside Daniel said, “Come Ye blessed of my Father and inherit the kingdom I’ve prepared for you.
For when I was hungry you gave me food, when I was thirsty you gave me drink, a stranger and you took me in.”
“Could you use another Bible?” I asked. “Yes, but I prefer a certain translation; it travels well and it isn’t too heavy; I’ve read through it 14 times,” Daniel said.
At the church I found a Bible that would work for him; he seemed very grateful.
“Where’re you headed Daniel?” “I found this map on the back of an Amusement Park coupon; I figured that someone there needs a Bible; that’s where I’m gong.”
The warmth of his spirit radiated the sincerity of his mission. Driving back to the town-square, it started raining. We unloaded his things.
“Would you sign my autograph book?” He asked. “I like to keep messages from folks I meet.
I wrote that Daniel’s commitment to his calling had touched my life; and to stay strong.
I left him with a scripture from Jeremiah, “I know the plans I have for you, declared the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you a future and a hope.”
“Thanks,” he said. “We just met and we’re strangers, but I love you.” I said, “I love you too; the Lord is good.”
“How long has it been since someone has hugged you?” “A long time,” he replied. On the busy corner, in the rain, my new friend and I embraced.
He put his things on his back, flashed his winning smile and said, “I’ll see you in the New Jerusalem.” “I’ll be there!” was my reply.
As he walked away with his sign and Bibles, he said, “When you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?” “You bet,” I shouted, “God bless.” That was the last I saw of him.
I left my office that evening, the cold front had settled on the town. In my car, I reached for the brakes and saw a pair of well-worn gloves that was neatly laid. I wondered if my friend hands would stay warm that night.
Then I remembered his words, “If you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?”
Today his gloves lie on my desk. They help me to see people in a new way; they help me remember my unique friend; I pray for his ministry.
“See you in the New Jerusalem,” he said. “Yes, Daniel, I know I will . . .”
