There is something special about a woman living in a transitional housing facility for the homeless who picks up the tab for a meal.
Twice a month a group of women gather for conversation and life-giving companionship. They aren’t just any group of women – they are residents of Joshua Station. Their stories compiled would bring about enough visions of pain and suffering to overwhelm any optimist. But they find themselves in a place of healing in this group whose name is an expression of hope: N.A.N. –Never Be Fake, Always Feel Pain, and Never Turn Down Healing.
A couple of Saturdays ago I had the privilege of running an errand for their group. I was asked to pick up money from a group member and bring back breakfast from the local McDonald’s for all of them. Initially I was taken aback by the request, and asked, “Are you sure?” The answer was a definite yes. As I arrived to collect the funds and run the errand, this resident greeted me with joy. Her pure excitement in the act of giving humbled me. I saw something holy in that gesture, an expression where God’s beauty was revealed.
Joshua Station can be a hard place to be for some, especially because the desire is for the families to become self-sufficient. Even though this goal is completely grace-filled, it is something most of them are not used to. As I ran my errand and brought back their breakfast, a smile formed on my face. I smiled, for I have been witness to the small but significant moments where transformation is evident in this place. At the same time, a tear rolled down my cheek. A tear, as I lament the rarity of such a beautiful expression of God’s love, for there are many others who never find healing.
In the moment, I rejoice at the opportunity we have to invite the wounded to heal. I rejoice for the women of N.A.N. at Joshua Station. Their conversations are real, their brokenness still evident, yet their healing is in stride. As I looked upon the face of the resident who purchased the breakfast, she laughed and said to me, “Those are my friends, I gotta do something nice for them.”
To read other stories about N.A.N. click here.
Sam Trujillo
Husband of a N.A.N. participant
Witness to the power of a shared journey
Believes that Joshua Station is a beautiful place
Comments (4)
Great story of grace... giving... what brings true fulfillment ... and broken places as holy ground.
Good stuff.
Posted by Ryan Taylor | February 12, 2008 6:06 PM
Posted on February 12, 2008 18:06
I wasn't at NAN that day. Now I'm trying to guess which of my neighbors did this. It's fun to imagine that joy of giving on any of the faces I'm thinking of! Thanks for sharing this, Sam!
Posted by Lori Ventola | February 13, 2008 8:04 AM
Posted on February 13, 2008 08:04
beautiful. God's beauty revealed. nothing like seeing the spirit of generosity and healing permeate a community...there's really nothing more beautiful to me than moments like this...
Posted by kathyescobar | February 13, 2008 3:34 PM
Posted on February 13, 2008 15:34
N.A.N is such a good thing for the women. Living here has let me see the women get excited for group or hear them talk about it through the week. It is so beautiful to wittness God's love for the hurting.
Posted by Uriah Quezada | February 14, 2008 1:23 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 13:23