This is James Huffer. I met James this afternoon on the corner of West Temple and North Temple, hunched over, carrying his sign that read, "You have a thousand reasons to smile today".
I couldn't help but smile. I was sitting in my car waiting at a red light. I was leaving Temple Square after watching the new episodes of "Meet the Mormons".
My heart always goes out to the homeless. Maybe it's because I know there is not much that I nor anyone can do to help their situation except maybe wave at them and possibly offer a snack or money. But what if doing those simple things actually holds more power than we realize? What if it is the accumulation of many people working together to help make those like James feel human and appreciated again?
I tend to watch closely those I see on the streets. Not to scrutinize or mock, but to observe how they live. For me I believe the smallest act of service I can give someone, anyone, is to acknowledge their existence.
As I am sitting there in my car, patiently waiting for the light to turn green, I feel compelled to stop and talk with him. I don't know why. What good could I offer him? I knew I did not have anything to give him. How awkward would it be to stop and introduce myself only to leave him with nothing in the end? I made it about six blocks back home before I was so overcome, I spent the next ten minutes trying to find a place to buy a quick snack and drink. That was a lot harder than I thought. Everyplace I came to was closed. Despite the fact I was still empty handed, I made my way back to the conference center parking structure. I parked my car, made my way to the elevator, still trying to decide if all this effort was going to be worth it for him or myself in the end. Then I remembered I had a granola bar and bottle of water in my car. I jumped back out of the elevator and raced to grab the items. My heart was pounding (mostly because I was out of breath running in heels and a dress) but also because I was nervous! When I finally made it back outside, I realized I should have grabbed my umbrella. The clouds were flirting with the idea of raining all day. But no way was I going to walk all the way back to my car. I could deal. And I did. The moment I made eye contact with James and quickly introduced myself, the rain came tumbling down. Like hard. It actually kind of hurt a little. And to think I thought this was going to be awkward. Here I was talking to a strange man, on the corner with many spectators, in the middle of a down pour. It was actually an incredible experience.
I gave him my granola bar and water bottle I worked so hard to get him and asked him what his story was. He said when he was younger he got into a lot of trouble and since then, has not been able to find work. He said he was always looking for a job but the moment the company found out about his history, they apologize and explain they are "going in a new direction". Whatever that means. I personally loathe that statement. I have been the recipient too many times this last year of said words.
I asked him if there was anything he wish people knew about him or about being homeless. He humbly admitted that he wish people would just wave back at him.
This touched me. We shared a few more words and then I left. I could not stop thinking about his wish. Why, out of all the things he could want, he wants people to wave back at him? I believe, after talking with him, he understands the only way for him to get out of his situation is for him to make it happen. I also believe understands the important role we can have on him and other like him.
You and I carry the precious gift of hope with us every where we go. I believe this hope comes from Jesus Christ. I am constantly wondering what my purpose on earth is. There are 7 billion people on earth and I have a very significant purpose, as do you. I wish I could go back and ask James what he thinks his purpose is. What makes him keep going? I believe that we can help people like James find their purpose. And I believe we can do that by "waving back". Acknowledge them and their presence. Imagine if every wave, "hello", conversation, or prayer James gets, it adds to his jar of hope. One day, he is going to realize his jar is full and will feel compelled to take action. To do something to show his gratitude for what others have shown him. I honestly believe this. I know this won't work for every person needing hope in their lives, but what if it does work for someone? How cool is that?!
It is my hope that we each try a little harder to be a little better, not only for the success of our own lives, but for those among us. If you ever feel compelled to do something for someone, just do it! A friend of mine once said, "It's NEVER a bad idea to do something good".
"We grow closer to the Savior as we, out of pure love, serve others for Him".
-President Eyring
