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Under the Tree

Writer's picture: Canvas NetworkCanvas Network

There they were, 'Under the Tree' on a vacant lot in one of the more disadvantaged neighborhoods in the city of St Louis, a group of men all my age just hanging out.


Covid-19 had descended the week before with the subsequent lockdown orders and here I was delivering groceries to families connected to the school we partnered with who had been furloughed or were simply suffering hunger because the school had closed its doors.


Week one they stared, week two one waved, week three they all waved and so I stopped. We talked, I handed out masks, they were warm and friendly and we simply shared our stories with each other.


They warned me to be careful, to trust no one, not to stop on particular corners and these warnings did not fill me with confidence. They would tell me later that they worried for me and anticipated bad things happening to me; bad things have not happened, in fact it has been a joy getting to know them and this particular neighborhood.


They figured out quite quickly that I was a Christian, they started to believe me that I was not John Lennon reincarnated and I began to realize that they simply enjoyed my company as much I enjoyed theirs and they simply wanted to be friends!


I have discovered the God of abundance amongst the people of this neighborhood, found love and trust amongst men, many of whom have done their best, after a troubled youth to become good men. I have discovered what it's like to be a true friend to men, to be appreciated for the smallest acts of kindness and to see qualities that I also aspire to manifested by men and women who face grinding poverty, every single day.


Under the Tree I have laughed, cried, been chased by a pack of dogs, jumped at the sound of gunshots, never witnessed racism, never heard blasphemy or demands of entitlement but I have sensed overwhelming hopelessness from time to time. Never once have I heard any presidents name taken in vain and I know most of these men are veterans and all served well and with honor!


Charley just got baptized and I wept, his grandson was killed the day after he asked if he could, he wants to visit Jerusalem, he desires his own place, a proper job, but most of all aspires to live like Jesus.


We all, well most, meet weekly for a shared meal 'Under the Tree' and talk about life, faith and everyone who strolls or drives by, I simply pray the pack of dogs will not come from behind the old house and get me. Pray for us!

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