By Anita Mondragon
When I was 13, my dad used to preach in the Rescue Mission downtown. He would make my brother and I go as well. I hated it! Until one night, something happened that would change my life forever. Years later, I wrote this poem about that night… I share it with you now.
DO YOU WANT PEACE???
He wakes up in the alley,
Vomit, crusted on his face.
Propped up against the dumpster,
Thinking, “How did I get
to this place?”
He slowly stands,
And shakes himself off,
Trying to remember…
He used to have a home and family…
A loving wife, so tender.
It’s been a while now,
Since he’s lived this way
Out on the street…
Scrounging through the garbage
For something good to eat.
It all started with that ‘one’ social business drink…
And as his stress increased,
So did his consumption,
And alcohol…
well it dulled his mind, so he wouldn’t have to think.
He used to wear suits,
And drive a nice car…
But now his clothes are all ragged,
And he sleeps in the alley behind the bar.
He stands on the corner,
And begs for a dollar,
While people pass by
And they stare, curse, and holler-
Some of them scream, “You lazy bum! “
“Why don’t you get a job??”
But few of them care
To look at his face,
And see his heart, cry and sob.
They can’t seem to see
Beyond all of that dirt,
That this man needs help
For he’s bruised, and he’s hurt!
By chance, he stumbles into
The Rescue Mission
And hears the preacher on stage
Asking for a decision…
“Do you want peace?
Because I can show you how to find it!”
With torment in his voice,
He hollers from the door,
“My God! I want peace! Please…tell me more!”
The preacher on the stage,
Ignores the stench and filth,
And runs to this man
So full of hurt, and guilt.
He holds him close, and whispers…
“I know the Prince of Peace!”
The bum cries,
“Introduce me!”
As they fall down on their knees.
That night, the lowly beggar
Got to meet the KING OF GLORY!
Because the preacher cared enough
To share with him,
LOVE’S GREATEST STORY!!!