The Journey

I was sitting alone in my office, taking care of all the pressing issues of the day, when the doorbell rang. With all of the busyness and deadlines, things like answering the door, answering a question, explaining that though this building is a convent, nuns don't actually live here were conversations I really didn't want to engage in at that moment. But someone had to answer the door.

Opening the door I found a fragile woman standing there, uncomfortable, and caught off-guard (mostly because, she was expecting a nun, not me). She explained her situation, and how she was basically choosing between eating and gas money, and wanted to know if there were any way we could help out. Honestly, I didn't feel like I had time to help her, but I had just gotten word a local kitchen had some extra food. So, we talked about where she lived (2 blocks away), and I agreed to bring a box of food to her house.

I left the convent, and headed to the kitchen. Still feeling hassled by this request, I followed the kitchen staff around as they filled up my cardboard box. Preparing to leave, one of the women from the kitchen placed an assortment of flowers on top, and explained that they didn't have a vase for them, but I should give them to this woman. While I was driving to her house I thought about this situation, and the ladies demeanor standing at the front door of the convent. She was beaten down, working up enough confidence to reach out and ask for help.

I pulled up to the house, and grabbed the flowers from on top of the box. As I knocked on the door, I held the flowers behind my back. She opened the door and let me know where I could place the food, surprised to see no food in my hands. I handed her the flowers, and gave her a hug. As I brought the box of food into her house, tears began flowing from her face, as she explained that these were the first flowers she had received since her husband had died.

When we look at this city and the problems that come to mind, we think of the images of the inner city we see on the news. But we have to see the people, their need for respect, dignity, and maybe even an assortment of flowers. We have to get past the urge to look the other way, past the charity-based programs that produce a "take-only" attitude, and actually work to enter into authentic relationships with people. The city is not in need of more programs or activities, but friends who will love them like Christ would.

So, that is what we are working to do. We want to help restore this city by building relationships, and being friends in a way that empowers people to get back on their feet. Take a look around this website (missionstl.org), read our mission and vision statements, listen to the podcast, read the weekly blogs, and then come join us while we play in the streets of St. Louis.

Josh Wilson,

Executive Director of Mission: St. Louis.