A Look of Desperation

As I was walking along the streets of Portland today by Pioneer Square Mall, a young man wrapped in a thick Hawaiian print blanket and carrying a large backpack caught my eye. His face was filthy and his hair was scruffy, he looked as if he hadn't taken a shower in weeks. When we rushed by him to cross the street, he just said three words, “Excuse me, pardon...” He didn't have a chance to finish his sentence as we blew by him. But he looked at me with such desperation and pain, that it made me look back and wonder. We always stereotype every man and woman who sits on the sides of the streets or walks around in parking lots searching for spare change. But do you ever stop and wonder what their real stories are? You see their unkempt appearance as they walk towards you with their cardboard sign and immediately try to dash out of sight. You may feel a bit guilty deep down, but generally you just don’t want to have anything to do with them. And it’s true that some of them may be dangerous people, but isn't that the case with all people, whether they are sitting on the sides of the streets or not? I had always wondered what they would be like if you asked them to share their stories with you. So my mom and I tried it. We made somewhat of a habit out of going and chatting with one of them each time we saw them. We heard many interesting stories, memorized their names, and can I say… we even made new friends! But we sort of lost that habit. When I looked into the eyes of the young man walking along the streets of Portland today, I was curious. There was something in his face and eyes that made him seem so desperate- not necessarily just for money, but for a friendship maybe? Or someone to tell his story to? Sure, you can say, “Well all of those people on the side of the street look like that. They probably practice their facial expressions in the mirror just to get that look,” but his face was so believable. I have a feeling that this man didn't just want some extra cash to put in his large backpack. Please pray for him, and everyone else. They truly are in need.