Leo is one of the ’rounders’ at OIM (‘been around a long time) and comes weekly to catch up and connect with our people. Life was very difficult for him as he was growing up (the details are really too messy to go into-seriously) and he has been trying to cope with life ever since.
Today, he is sitting in the barber’s chair and our hairstylist is doingone of those remarkable, “I can’t believe that combination of shaved and long hair’ type of hairstyles. Well, that’s Leo all over again-a non-conformist to the core, standing out in any crowd, but he’s really just a guy who wants someone to love him.
The hair cut is over now, and the stylist stands beside Leo as he sits in the chair. Her lips are moving and he looks up into her face again, and returns his gaze elsewhere. Three times.
Oh, she must be praying for him. Yes, that’s it.
She finishes, he thanks her and he’s off on an adventure with a very stylish, trendy hair ‘composition’.
I spoke with her, and told her how much I appreciate her prayer for Leo. She told me she prays for just about everyone that comes to her chair, that Rudy, the former hair cutter, had made this easy for her to dollow, as he did the same thing.
“Talking with Leo,” she said, “I found out he was facing some challenges. When I asked if I could pray for him, he welcomed the offer. he said, ‘Yea, I really could use some prayer now.’.”
“That is what OIM is all about,” I encouraged her, “Prayer provides an opportunity to go places and connect with people that it is not possible to do otherwise. Good one!”
And, isn’t it true? Think of how many people pray for you – right here and right now, and care – right here and right now. I’m guessing there’s not too many. Probably even less with our street friend, but OIM is here in the ‘right here and right now’.
-Ken
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