In Their Eyes

I was driving through what some would call the “rough side of town,” this week. I saw the high-heeled ladies outside of a seedy motel, the homeless man with his dogs, and what were probably run away teens teetering on the edge of a life without hope.  There was a time in my life when I looked away, as if my eyes were afraid to see them. I might have convinced myself, as we often do, that this place was dangerous. ---that looking too long might incur the anger of the addicts, pimps and prostitutes; however today I realize I have been looking away for other reasons.  Today I understand that I look away because despite the clean exterior of my life, I am all too aware that if I were to catch their eye and truly look into them, I would see myself staring back.

I have been broken, abandoned and wounded just as they. I am here in the comfort of my home surrounded by my husband, sons and photographs of precious memories only by the grace of God. I have looked outside of my Creator for love and purpose and followed whomever, when my frailty left me desperate for belonging. I have been on the edge of hopelessness. Truth be told I have fallen deep into the chasm of that hopelessness and were it not for the saving hand of Jesus lifting me out, I would be standing on the very streets as those whose eyes I avoided. 

No, I am not an addict or a drunk. I am not a prostitute or delving into alternative lifestyles—but I could be. I am a sinner just like the rest. I know how deep the wounds are; how easily swayed I can be. I know that because of abuse, neglect and addiction I could be anyone of those individuals I passed that morning.  Yet but for the grace of God…

God’s grace isn’t measured by what blessings He has showered on us but by what sin He has saved us from. I see me when I look in their eyes.

I made a new friend this week—a woman possessed by a passion to be Jesus’ hands and feet to those on the street corners in the “rougher side of town.” Dana Bryant is transforming lives through her organization, Crossing the Jordan. She and her husband Mike follow Jesus into the beautiful places that are the hearts of women and men in need of a life transformed. Through Crossing the Jordan, those in need are receiving help with addiction, housing, jobs, parenting skills, Bible study, and more. Dana looks at the women she ministers to and sees beauty and strength.  May we do the same and see ourselves reflected back in their eyes.

For more information about Crossing the Jordan or to participate in their fundraising gala the “Not Forgotten Ball” go to www.crossingthejordan.org