I struggled to give a title to this true story because there were so many lessons learned.  To begin quite a few months back I befriended

a person at church I will call L who lived on the steets for many years and struggles with severe metal health issues.  L lives on the 

fringes of society in a low rental housing unit and collects food wherever it is donated.  What drew me to L is not pity but the fact he told

everyone he met he loved them and was praying for them and he meant it!  Recently L disappeared from the church.  It took me awhile to 

reconnect with him and he told me how he no longer felt he belonged at that church.  Some members of the church were harassing him 

and making him feel unwelcome.  Tonight I visited L'S place for the first time.  It was as you would expect someone to live in extreme 

poverty.  Interesting though there was a picture of Jesus right next to his bed.  There was also a blanket on the floor.  He was sheltering 

someone else who has less than him because as he told me that is what God would want him to do.  L despite his shabby clothes is 

articulate, smart, funny, a great cook, with a deep love for his faith.  Did you think L turned away from the church after being harassed 

and riduled.  The answer is no.  He found another communnity church that would give him the respect he deserved.  L is a living example

of faith.  His gentle soul lives in a rough, sometimes dangerous world and yet he choses to embrace and love God with all his heart

and try and live the way God would want him to.  I am proud to call L my friend not because I pity him but he inspires me and truthfully

challenges me to make better choices with all the opportunities and talents I have been given.  Those ridiculing L may have been 

riduling Jesus himself.  God usually chooses among the least of us to be the greatest.  I hope we all find a little inspration by L.