3 bananas and 3 waters in Memphis

The Lord led me to Memphis today for some reason – I thought to take a rest and mental break and spiritually refuel in a quiet place before I start work tomorrow…but maybe it wasn’t?
My hotel is in court square situated between the Mississippi River and a trolley line beside a city park.
As I checked in I asked for a balcony room (with preconceived ideas to sit outside, observe the city, pray, journal and speak life over it as well watch the beautiful river and people watch).
As soon as I got settled I sat outside – my attention was drawn to the park and the people on the benches…oh my how this looks like Jackson! Homeless men women bags buggies ragged clothes sweating their tails off outside!
I brought groceries with me to save money and I heard the Alford say take them bananas and go sit with them.
Oh wow here we go!
So I went to buy bottled water across street and immediately I’m sought out for money by a guy – I said “Hey how are you today? What’s your name and what do you actually need, because I don’t give out money?” He said I’m hungry. I said ok – can I get you something inside? He said no and pointed to Subway behind him…I said ok give me a second to buy water and I’ll buy you a sandwich.
I get 3 waters and exit to see the “park security” has cleared the street…as tourists are on the downtown streets as a remnant of Memphis in May. So hungry guy was no where to be found; so I start walking to the park.
I go to the bench w 3 people sitting on it that I saw from my balcony. I asked them if I could sit with them. 2 men and 1 lady…looking at me like I’m NUTS! I said I am staying right there (pointing over my shoulder to my hotel literally across the street…where they are not supposed to go) and I was outside on my balcony and watched you guys and the Lord told me to come down and sit with you. They said WHO? I said Jesus.. They said oh. I introduced myself and started small talk…where you from- what’s your name- how long have you been here- and as I talk I offer water; then offered the 3 bananas I brought with me from home. They took them hesitantly. I told them I lived inner city Jackson MS and had a lot friends in our City just like them so I was drawn to them. They said oh ok. I started asking about resources in Memphis, what eh did every day, what they used to do or wanted to do. Terry from MO served in Parchman in the 90’s so he knew lots of guys from Jackson; Linda AKA Candy was 52 years old and has wanted to be a nurse her whole life but is homeless from Memphis with no family around and The oldest Gentlemen who I couldn’t understand his name…is a Vietnam Vet. So I told him thanks for serving and continued amazing conversation.
The Lord gave me sweet encouraging words for Linda and gave her my contact info for prayer support and resources she may need. And allowed me to tell Terry to use his influence i could see he had for the good and not for evil.
All the while police on bikes are riding by to check on this situation of a white girl sitting on a bench with the homeless. Why does this look strange people??
I told them I’d hope to see them tomorrow before I left for work tomorrow afternoon.
As I go in my hotel, the front desk girl is concerned about my long trip just to get water across from hotel. I proceeded to tell her who I was talking to. And she was stunned and asked what we talked about. She said I wish all our guests did that – everyone is so scared of them. I encouraged to let them know not to fear and be a friend.
3 water 3 bananas and no fear – all Jesus love to be a friend to the poor the needy and the hungry.
Thank you to We Will Go ministries in Jackson for teaching me how by following Jesus example and the Word of God for specific commands to do so and the Holy Spirits power to do it.
Love simply people. It’s a lifelong daily command.

Matthew 25:31-46
Mark 9:41
Titus 3:8
Philemon 1:7
Hebrews 13:1-3 & 16
I Peter 4:9-11
3 John 1:5-8