The Least is Greatest
- Ottawa Innercity Ministries
- Dec 3, 2025
- 2 min read
A true account at the OIM Thanksgiving dinner.
Last and Least
He was the last guest to arrive -
restless, cheery, sweet.
So young and simple to have to survive
the wiles of the street.
“I’m 19 days clean from crack!”
he told me with a smile.
A fist bump, a big smile back -
this young man has no guile.
His story was touching and sad -
as he kindly praised the food.
He had obviously been treated bad -
but, wow, such gratitude!
Last to arrive, the coffee was finished.
“It’s okay”, he said, “at least the hot chocolate is amazing!”
One of those the world would call least.
(I had actually been offered and was drinking the last cup of coffee as he wandered in off the street. Jesus, is there a lesson for me here?)
We talked for awhile, but, just like that, he had to go -
back out to the street that can be so cruel, they know.
I secretly hoped to meet him again, this least last one.
Walking back to our car, guess who we met?
Yup, my pleasant friend, still smiling yet.
“Can I walk you ladies back to your car?
Streets here can be rough.”
Spoken just like my own sons, near and far.
This is tear-bringing stuff.
A gentleman at heart the world would chew up and spit out.
“Humanity out here, please don’t hurt him!” I wanted to shout.
(What if this was my son, and someone else was me? Jesus, teach us how to love the least.)
I hope it’s not my last time to meet this least one.
I hope to meet him again, this least, last, “last but not least one.”
“Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to Me.”
Matthew 25:40
Jesus also said, “For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”
Luke 9:48
~ Grandma, an OIM Volunteer
This is such a touching story about compassion, dignity, and seeing the humanity in people who are often overlooked. The young man’s gratitude despite everything he had experienced is incredibly moving, and the message about treating “the least” with kindness really stays with you. When I get bored, for a joke I sometimes say, “Take My Online Class,” but this story reminds us that there are far more important things in life—like choosing compassion and making sure people feel seen and valued.
This is a deeply moving reflection on compassion, dignity, and recognizing the humanity in people who are often overlooked. The young man’s gratitude, resilience, and willingness to help others despite his own struggles make the story especially powerful. I also appreciate how the piece connects an ordinary encounter to a larger lesson about kindness and humility. It’s a reminder that whether we’re navigating life on the streets, facing personal challenges, or even searching for McGraw Hill Connect Answers while trying to keep up with everyday responsibilities, everyone deserves to be treated with patience, respect, and compassion.
This is a deeply moving reflection on how easily people can overlook those who are struggling. The young man’s gratitude, kindness, and concern for others despite everything he was facing really stood out to me. I also appreciate how the story challenges the idea of who is considered “least” and reminds us to recognize dignity and humanity in everyone. The connection to the teachings of Jesus makes the message even more powerful, encouraging us to respond with compassion rather than judgment. It’s a meaningful reminder that Online class Help should never replace the importance of empathy, understanding, and human connection.
This is a deeply moving reminder that every person deserves dignity, compassion, and hope, regardless of their circumstances. Stories like this inspire us to look beyond appearances and treat others with kindness. In many situations, practical support matters too, including services like Birth certificate Translation, which can help people access essential opportunities, legal documentation, and a fresh start. Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt message about seeing the value in every individual.
This is such a beautiful and humbling reminder of the human stories behind the statistics we see every day. Just as Grandma notes the profound impact of truly seeing someone, it reminds me of how critical it is to bring that same level of care, accuracy, and empathy to human data in every field—whether it’s supporting frontline volunteers or developing precise Medical Annotation Services to ensure healthcare systems better understand and serve vulnerable populations.
Thank you for sharing this touching reminder that every single person has a story worth honoring.