27 - Chance...

“I left because I didn’t feel as if I deserved his kindness, I don’t feel I deserve a second chance.  I don’t believe that a guy like me deserves to live.” ​

2 Thessalonians 3:15, “Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.” (ESV)

“I was frozen when I saw her bring out the plate.  She looked beautiful.”

“It’s as if she hadn’t changed.  Literally, God forced me into seeing the one person that I thought I had shut out of my life forever.  I couldn’t even look at her.  I was so ashamed, so embarrassed.  Embarrassed of who I had become.”

“Then…”  Juan began to sob.  “Then, I saw her cry and in that moment I died.  I no longer wanted to live this hard life.  I walked straight to the east bridge.  I waited ‘til midnight, when the traffic was non-existent and no one was there to interfere.  I climbed on the rail and was emotionally ready to jump.  However, as I prepared, a man shouted my name.  He remembered me from church many years ago and begged me not to jump.’

“He saved my life”, Juan tearfully said.  “He told me that he had oversight of a men’s shelter and career center, and at his invitation, I went.  I stayed the night, but I left early in the morning.” 

“I left because I didn’t feel as if I deserved his kindness, I don’t feel I deserve a second chance.  I don’t believe that a guy like me deserves to live.” 

Immediately, Carlos began to plead with Juan to reconsider.  He reminded him of his children and told him that if he ever wanted another chance to connect with his family, he’d have to fix his life.” 

In tears, Juan agreed.  Carlos walked him back to the bus stop, paid their fare, and rode with him to the shelter.  Carlos walked Juan to the door and…

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