We met James on 4th and Commerce in downtown Nashville. James is homeless, was drunk, and needed a few $. However, we were enjoying the music coming out of the box on the corner of the street in Music City. My husband, Brian, was playing his harmonica, when James approached us looking for $. "Can't you see what we're doing? Enjoy the music with us!!" So James started dancing with us to the harmonica Brian was playing along with the country music coming out of the box.
Again, James insisted on some $, when we asked him what his name was. He swore he was using it to buy food and that he was was hungry (I know, I know). James professed to know Jesus and follow him, he is a prodigal. We told him about God's food and water for our souls, prayed with him, that God has a purpose for his life, and only because one of us felt led to do so, gave him $3. While he claimed it wasn't enough, we sent him on his way.
The next night, as we drove past the same corner half-expecting a response, I yelled out the window, "James, what did you do with the $3?!?!?". We all giggled about it.
The next day, we were sitting outside of Rocketown talking with a mentor we were assigned. We were many blocks from the corner where we met James. And here we were, tucked away between a Crown Vic we rented and the stairwell outside the Rocketown building when out of nowhere comes a man asking for money. Yes! It was James! There were many other people physically outside the building he could have asked for money. However, he came between the small opening straight to us when we all exclaimed, "James!"
I recounted to him the night before when I was yelling outside of our window, "James, what did you do with the three dollars?" He right away claimed that he bought food that night. I then asked him if he had drank anything today, and he honestly answered yes.
We then had the opportunity to really talk to James. He came to realize the fact that, yes, he is being held captive, and so we asked him turn around and look to the sky, and pray for God to help him. At first it seemed like a little show for us, but then it went on & on, and it became sincere.
I believe God gave me this picture: the same enemy of our souls that influences men to abuse children physically and sexually, is the same enemy of our souls that takes God's children captive with addictions and temptations of sin. Jesus came to set the captives free. And He has done that. So, why would we allow this disgusting enemy, to take us by the hand and put us in the box in his backyard. This is the spiritual equivalent to what child predators do.
This was a sobering thought to James. We gave him five dollars, and once again, prayed with him and after talking with him, sent Him on his way to McDonalds then the mission. This time, he promised to be running straight to the mission anytime he heard the tempting voice of this enemy. Run to the mission and confessing he was being tempted to drink. He will ask for prayer, and he will seek help from the chaplains. Whether or not James overcomes his addiction yesterday or today, God is greater than the addictions that has held him captive these years. This is why Jesus came!
Please pray for James!
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