I am very used to working with college students. Stuff like failing classes, roommate difficulties and romantic relationships are old hat problems to me as I’ve been dealing with people struggling with those things for years.
But last night I went to Eastwood (a low income housing project) with a small group from the Rock to help with some yard work and interact with others from the community who were out working.
I must say that I felt fairly ill equipped to engage a 6 year old resident in conversation.
This kid’s life hadn’t been easy and he hadn’t had a lot of help from relatives or parents to work through the tough stuff. And here I was for a couple of hours trimming hedges and sweeping up. What can I do?
I can talk to him. Respect him. Be a friend. Care.
And I can go back.
James 1:27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.