Kingdom come to...Thomas

"I used to work for the mafia."

I laughed but when I looked over at Thomas, he clearly wasn't kidding. He said that they were in control of everything and that he was basically tossed aside when things didn't work out in his favor. He was avoiding details and I couldn't really tell if he was feeding me some story or telling the truth. I figured he wasn't being truthful, but kept it to myself.

I met Thomas on my way to the grocery store today. At least two or three times a week someone on the street asks for money. The first week we moved into our apartment in Harlem a year ago, a lady stopped us on the sidewalk and told us how all she needed was something like $3.47 to last her for the week. She said she could buy beans and rice with that, nevermind the alcohol on her breath. We offered her a piece of fruit and she got angry. About six months later she tried to stop me and ask for money again. Unfortunately I was in a hurry and apologized that I couldn't stop. She was disgusted and let me know.

I'm not offended when people ask me for money. I'm usually not even annoyed. I'm saddened that I'm not treated like a person. I feel more like a target than a neighbor. I just want to see change in my neighborhood. I want to see change in this city. Jesus said to ask God that his Kingdom would come and his will would be done here like it is in heaven. What would my neighborhood and city be like if it operated more like things operate in God's Kingdom?

Thomas started asking me if I could spare some change before I was within 20 feet of him. I walked up to him and asked what his name was and gave him mine. We shook hands. He asked again if I had any money for him. I said I didn't want to give him money but I'd be glad to buy him some food. He was taken back a little by the offer. "Where at?" he asked, as if we were miles from any kind of restaurant.

We ended up at a fish market around the corner. You can buy all kinds of fresh fish and they will steam it for you right there. I've never been to the place. Thomas suggested it and I'm glad to know about it now. I spent the next 15 minutes with Thomas and we gingerly shared about ourselves. But by the end I think we each made a friend. I told him I would say hi to him if I saw him again and he said he would do the same.

I'm getting ready to go to bed on my cozy mattress next to my wife and with little Sam close by and I'm thinking about Thomas. He said he didn't know where he would sleep tonight. I hope and pray he's alright.

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