The Heart of a City

On Saturday night my friend and I went into the heart of downtown Nashville to listen to some of the wonderful music that this city offers. After we enjoyed our favorite musicians - the best in Music City WE think - we were rushing to our cars as we tried to beat the sting of winter fast approaching. We were nearing our vehicles and turned a corner as a very frightened, waif-like looking girl passed us and then very meekly said, "I'm not asking you for money, but could I get you to buy me a hot dog? I am so hungry. Please don't judge me."
We stopped; there was something very sad and desperate in that voice; and terror in her face. Life had beat up this pregnant young lady. My heart went out to her. Heather, as we came to find out her name was, cowered, as if expecting to be struck.
When we stopped she backed up and said, "I am so hungry and so cold. I moved here from a small town because my boyfriend was beating me up. I can't go back."
And then as if we were judging her predicament, she put her hands on her growing stomach and said, "I am not keeping this baby. I am giving it up for adoption. Please don't judge me."
She continued on as if she had to explain why she deserved to eat, and stay warm this night.
"I stopped a policeman and asked him where I could get a blanket because I am so cold, and he told me that I was getting was I deserved." And she said it as if she believed that she did deserve to be hungry and cold!
She was getting what she deserved? I have seen animals treated better than this frightened human being. She was only asking for table scraps, and she couldn't even get that!
I reached in my purse and my friend reached in his pocket, and we extracted money to give to her. I knew that no matter how much money I had with me I was going to wish that I had more to give her, to help take away the pain that she was wearing. I was wishing that there was some way that I could make amends for that insensitive policeman - one of Nashville's finest - who told this child of God she was not worthy of the basics of life.
"Don't judge me," she repeated.
I was mortified and wanted to sit down and cry for life's injustice.
I was sad, and I know that God was hurting too.
I asked Heather if we could pray for her and her face lit up.
She whispered, "Someone cares..."
Heather, my friend, and I wrapped our arms tightly around each other and sent thanks up to our Father.
Heather was so cold, and I was sad that I had decided to wear a cute beaded blazer instead of a warm jacket that I could pass on to my new sister. I mentally perused the trunk of my parked car and tried to conjure up a warm blanket. But to no avail.
I gave Heather my card and she said she would keep in touch and let me know how she was doing; when she found a phone to use.
After we hugged and started to walk away we heard the tiny, whipped voice say, "You're my angels."
I felt like crying as I walked away, at the same time sending a prayer up to thank my Father that we were at the right place at that time. What an honor to be able to love and be a servant, in the small way that we knew how. This homeless girl ended up being a gift to us!
What has happened to the heart of this country? We are all one choice away from being in Heather's worn-out shoes. Would we want to be treated like a dog, or worse? Would it hurt to offer compassion and love in a world turning cold and impersonal?
Nashville - one of the friendliest cities in the United States? To everyone? Or only those clothed in expensive clothes?
Let's bring the heart back to this world - let's make this a world of love!