My Friend Albert

I was reading a post from Humans of New York about a daughter who was going to close the door on a crazy looking homeless man. Her mom stopped her and shouted the man’s name. She gave a bunch of food to the man. Her daughter couldn’t get over (it seemed in the post) that her mom knew the man’s name. His name was forever engrained in her mind.

This story reminded me of the day I learned the name of my homeless friend, Albert. I will never forget that day. I even wrote about it in my journal because it moved my heart so deeply. This is what I wrote:

“There’s a homeless man who sits in our alley. I see him all the time in the same spot. My heart has always been drawn to him, and I’ve sensed in the Spirit that I need to do something for him. But I have held back in the past for one reason or another. I haven’t seen him sitting there in a while. Until today. I was thinking about getting myself a coffee because we were all out at home and it was super foggy and cold. Well, I drove past him and felt the Lord prompting me to spend that money on him instead. I mean, I was going to buy a coffee for myself anyways so why not spend the money on someone who could use more warmth than me. So I reluctantly (at first because I was in a hurry) listened and took the coffee to him. We talked a little bit, and he told me his name is Albert. I could have known his name a long time ago if I had been obedient in the first place. I drove off and started crying and praying for him. God sees Albert! God loves Albert! And God wanted to use me to love Albert and to let him know that I see him! What a beautiful thing!”

Honestly, it was a really small act of kindness and seemingly insignificant. It didn’t alleviate his situation or even address some of his more pressing needs, but I hope that it blessed Albert in a small way and let him know that he is seen and cared about. Since that day, his name has been etched in my mind and my heart. I will never forget his face or his name. I think about him often. I wave to him when I see him and pray for him too.

It’s comforting to know that God knows the “nameless” and the “unseen” and loves them, and He wants to use us to let people know He sees them, knows them, and loves them.  If only we were more open and willing to be used in such a way.  I know I’ve missed so many opportunities to speak life to others or to reach out and be a blessing in whatever small way I can, but I’m grateful the Lord used me to bless Albert in such a seemingly insignificant way and that he used Albert to show me His heart for people. 

I’m not sharing this to get kudos. I’m just sharing it to encourage you to be obedient to the still small voice, to be mindful of the small ways you can make a difference around you, and to be a blessing to people in whatever way you can.