Bernie is a 60 something year old guy that's been living on the streets for years. He's seen all, he's done all and yet now, in what he sees as the twilight of his life, he's experiencing something he thought didn't really exist. Bernie is experiencing Love.
You see, Bernie has fallen into a pit and he can't get out. He's struggled and dug and jumped and yelled and screamed and finally, he's given up.
I sat and talked with Bernie (and his fellow campers Jim, Andy and Zeke) on Saturday morning over a hot cup of coffee and some biscuits and gravy. He laughed and he joked for a while, but, as I started drawing his story out of him, his demeanor slowly changed as he tried to recollect what he was and where he'd been over the last few decades. I could see pain in his eyes as he remembered some of the bad things that had happened. Bewilderment when he thought of the days of his corporate success, still wondering how he ended up "here".
When breakfast was over the four of them stayed and helped pack up and as we were saying goodbye, Bernie grabbed my hand and shook it. He simply said, "thank you" to choked up to say anything else, he just nodded his head, tears flowing from his eyes. For the first time in a very long time, somebody has cared enough to just listen.
Bernie experienced love.
I'm going to try to find their camp site today and take them some clothes and a pair of shoes for Jim. They could use some tents and I'm praying God will help me find some.
Is there a Bernie in your life? Someone who has fallen down so hard so often that he's given up? What can you do to give them hope? How can you help them experience love?
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