Learning to Listen with Our Hearts
@bethvogt
I went for a walk with my friend Mary yesterday morning. We’re long-time walking buddies, but this was our first opportunity in months to go walking together. You know how life gets busy and days go by and you keep thinking, “Maybe tomorrow there’ll be time to do (fill in the blank.)”
And then it doesn’t happen because life just gets busier and busier.
Mary and I were both looking forward to the chance to catch up on life.
We were about ten minutes into the walking and talking – just warming up – when Mary stopped. Turned around. And asked the teen girl behind us – the one I hadn’t noticed – “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” The girl’s words were barely audible, muffled behind her hands that covered her face.
“No, you’re not.” Mary’s words were gentle. “Can we help you?”
“My parents kicked me out of the house.” And with those words, the girl broke down.
It was 7:30 on a Tuesday morning. I hadn’t even had breakfast yet. And this girl, who is a junior in high school, had been kicked out of her house.
Mary put her arms around Chelsea* and asked if we could pray for her. And then the three of us walked to her friend’s house, only to find out that no one was home. Long story short, we drove Chelsea to school. She didn’t have her phone or her books – her parents kicked her out with nothing but the clothes she was wearing.
“It’s okay. My friend has a duffle bag with my stuff in it. This has happened before,” Chelsea told us.
I know there are two sides to every story – and yes, I only know Chelsea’s explanation of why she was kicked out of her home. I’ve reminded myself of that several times since we dropped Chelsea off at school. As I’ve wondered where she slept Tuesday night. I hope, if she’s not back at home, she’s safe at her friend’s house.
And I’m not judging Chelsea’s parents. Really, I’m not.
But I am asking myself why would parents throw their child out of their house? Why would it be so common that their child would learn to keep a duffel bag at a friend’s house?
Chelsea pointed out her house as we drove past while taking her to school. It looks like a nice house. A quiet house. You would never know just by looking at it that there’d been that kind of drama, that kind of turmoil, hours earlier.
Which proves that we never know what’s going on behind those closed doors with the decorative wreaths or the welcome signs or the pretty potted plants.
And those quiet teenagers we pass on the street sometimes? We never know about them, either. They may just be out for a walk. Or they may be walking with no place to go … but you have to be like my friend Mary to notice them. She’s the kind of person who listens with her heart.
*not her real name
When You Meet a Family Crisis on a Street Corner http://bit.ly/2JkI963 #teens #parents Click To Tweet 'Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.' Quote by Wendy Mass http://bit.ly/2JkI963 #bekind #perspective Click To Tweet
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Comments 17
This really got to me. Similar life. Not forgivin’ NOTHIN’.
The world’s become a pile of crap
for lookin’ after Number One.
There’s no safe spot to rest and nap,
and you’d darn well better pack a gun.
The Bible was happily tossed aside
and replaced by Benjamin Bloody Spock
and we bought the ticket for his ride
that would all our best efforts mock.
We must turn back the hands of time
and set the record, finally, straight,
and while love can be sublime
I’ll pave the way to hope with hate.
The Brave New World may lift their eyes
from we hard men, and our knives.
Author
I’m sorry, my friend, that this young girl’s story was so similar to yours. Perhaps that’s one reason why you rescue all those dogs in need of shelter and a safe place — in need of a home?
You’ve a kinder heart than you let on at times, Andrew.
Praying for you, my friend.
Beth, thank you…and on the dog, you got that right.
Barb says that she’s sometimes a bit concerned that she’ll come home and find a family of refugees camped out in the living room.
No heart can be thrown away.
Author
“No heart can be thrown away.”
So well said, my friend. So well said.
I’m so glad that you went for that walk and as you did, came across a need, just like Jesus walking up on the funeral procession of the widow of Nain’s son, and made such a difference it turned into something else. Of course we’ll always wonder how this turned out, but I’m afraid it happens far too often. Thank God you two were the plot twist changing this story. She will always know someOne saw and was looking out for her. I pray that helps her find and stay on the right track. Thanks for intervening and sharing.
Author
Good morning, Dee!
I believe there was divine intervention involved with our meeting this young woman. And the fact that she was willing to let two strangers stand on a neighborhood street corner and pray over her? Surprising, to say the least. While we may never know the outcome of her story, we know prayer is powerful, and prayer is not limited by what we do or do not know about a person’s circumstances.
And that right there is a real life example of being the hands and feet of Jesus! Divine intervention, indeed.
Author
Anne: It struck me how Mary and I were able to help one another as we helped this young girl. Our abilities just blended together at the right time, in the right way. And that was beautiful. I also think she felt more comfortable because there were two of us, and we could chat about other things — not just the crisis she was experiencing.
God put you both in the right place at the right time. May he have his hand on that little girl–as Her eternal parent who will love her no matter what she has done. I’m going to be praying for her.
Author
Julie: Thank you for praying for her. She mentioned that her friend had taken her to church on occasion — so my hope is that she will come to know that God loves and cares for her.
Beth, I read through tears. Caleb and I had a similar encounter last week in the King Soopers parking let at Woodmen and N. Academy. It is heartbreaking. My own extended family is dealing with a lot of hurt right now as their son (Senior in high school) is choosing to move out and get married – as a justification for living in sin. Satan is so crafty and good at his job. May we walk around not just with open eyes, but with open hearts!!
Open the eyes of my heart Lord!!
Thank you for sharing precious friend!
Author
Heather: I’m certain you were kind and loving during your similar encounter last week — and I am thankful that our prayers continue to cover those we’ve met.
A child doesn’t have to be kicked out to be in crisis. We’ll never know how many teachers noticed and made a difference in a child’s life.
Kindness matters.
Author
Denise: Wise words. It’s true — this is just one “seen” crisis. Others see, too — and teachers probably see more than we ever realize. #kindnessmatters
Beth, I’m tearing up as I read this. So sad. My heart aches for Chelsea . . . and for her family. It sounds like there’s a whole lot of hurt on both sides in her family. I’ll be praying for her and her family.
Thank you for the reminder to treat everyone with kindness. We really don’t know what others are walking through. I’m so glad you and Mary were available for her.
Author
I thank God for his timing …
And my heart aches for that family too.
I tried to imagine their story. The reasons why.
But I don’t know. Will probably never know.
But I can pray.
Praying for Chelsea and her family — that Jesus and His peace would reign over that pretty little house and that Chelsea would hang on to the memory of two total strangers who cared for her when she needed it most.
Hugs, my tender-, Jesus-hearted friend.