Advent Day 20" Love
“God in Christ has taken into Himself the brokenness of the human condition. Hence, human woundedness, brokenness, death itself are transformed from dead ends to doorways into Life. ”
― Martin Laird
A conversation with Teresa
By Mary Beth Mutarelli
Teresa is one of the regulars at our Tuesday Outreach Ministry. She started coming when the ministry first began, when there were only 20 or fewer guests. Our outreach ministry has been one of the few consistent, stable bright spots in Teresa’s life.
Teresa is a small, petite, thin woman of 52 years. She always greets me by name, with a smile and direct eye contact. She is so likeable and obviously bright when you stop to talk to her.
Currently, she lives in a tent, in a two-person camp. This has been her home for about two years. Tent-dwelling, from descriptions I’ve heard consistently from Teresa, and other Tuesday guests, is fraught with safety and security issues, and frequent theft of possessions. They have heard close-by gunshots at night. While we might enjoy a brief camping experience, and the challenges of “roughing it” for a few days, this is Teresa’s daily shelter. She has been drenched by rain, or has sweltered in the summer’s heat and humidity. A tent is no protection against a cold wind, either. The ground is hard, and there is no running water. A campfire might seem quaint and nostalgic to us, but it has its drawbacks when it is the sole source of heat and light, and is the only way to cook.
Teresa’s early life was one of abuse and trauma. She is the oldest of three children—all who witnessed frequent domestic violence. At age 8, Teresa was sexually abused by one of her father’s friends, and, at age 21, she was raped at knifepoint. As a teen, Teresa began to smoke and experiment with drugs and alcohol—addictions she still struggles to end.
Teresa has a 29 year-old-daughter, Crystal, and a 26 year-old-son, Mario. She loves both of her children dearly, and they mean the world to her, but there is no family who is able to help Teresa end her homelessness.
Two years ago, Teresa was sheltered in the Salvation Army and she began a relationship with a fellow resident. This was a dysfunctional one, with frequent verbal abuse. Three months ago, she severed ties with him. This has been a very positive step for Teresa, but it has also been difficult. She explained that, while living in the chaos of her recently-terminated relationship, she couldn’t focus on much of anything, including drawing on her faith, but she returned to church in July. She has a Bible, and is reading it more regularly now.
Through all of this, Teresa has a very special angel in her life. I’ve watched Teresa’s angel (whom Teresa says is like a second mother to her) gather Teresa close in a warm hug. I’ve seen Teresa’s “mom” listen to her attentively, with a compassionate and caring heart. They pray together, and, sometimes, her “mom” suggests some scripture for Teresa to read, addressing a fear or crisis.
In seeing Teresa (and many others) as God’s creation, without judgmental human eyes, Miss Evelyn has shown unconditional acceptance and love. She has brought a light into darkness, and she has met Teresa where she is. Miss Evelyn’s bright light doesn’t stop there. She models for every one of us who volunteer at the Tuesday Outreach Ministry just what “faith in action” and “having the heart of Jesus” looks like.
Love came down at Christmas
Love, a lovely love divine
Love was born at Christmas
Stars and angels gave the sign
Worship we the Godhead
Love incarnate, love divine
Worship we our Jesus
But wherewith for sacred sign?
Love will be our token
Love be yours, and love be mine
Love from God to all of us
Love for plea and gift a sign
Tomorrow’s word: Blessed →
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