~Nathaniel~

Yesterday I was at the McDonald's drive-thru near USC's campus. This young man had a windshield squeegee and papertowels in his hand.

Asking- no, begging- for money from every car in the drivethru.

With a doo-rag around his head, jeans, and no shirt on. His nipples were erect from desperation. From every car he went to, he was rejected.

People were scared; confused. Go away, hoodlum. They didn't dare say it, but their actions shouted it loud and clear.

The young man gets to my car. His demeanor totally changes. He softens his voice and backs up.

Struggling Young Black Man: "Hi sistah. I'm going to back up... because I don't want to scare you. I don't want to steal anything or hurt you;
a brother is just trying to make some money so he can eat"

me: ::smiling gently at the guy:: "You don't have to back up. I'm not scared of you. You remind me of my Uncle Demetrius"

S.Y.B.M: ::smiling:: "Oh... I look like him?"

me: "Yes... a little. But, you remind me of his spirit.... his personality. You have a lot of heart."

S.Y.B.M.: :blushing:

me: "I am a broke student. I don't think I have any cash on me, just using my debit card. I wish I had some cash to give you."

S.Y.B.M.: "That is okay. Just pray for me"

me: "Yes... I will pray for you. What is your name?"

S.Y.B.M.: "Nathaniel"

me: "Nathaniel. Okay... I will pray for you. Be blessed..."

Nathaniel smiles and walks away calmly.

God spoke to me when Nathaniel came to my car. I was not scared of him... I understood him. And when he said "pray for me", I knew he had Faith.

me: ::shouting:: "Nathaniel...come back!"

I held his hand in mine for about five seconds. I just held his hand and felt the energy from the Lord move between us.

And then I put $20 in his hand.

... when I pulled away from McDonald's, my lunch did not fulfill me as much as seeing Nathaniel in my rearview mirror shouting "Praise you, Jesus" and raising his hands in the air. I wiped away tears on the way to school.

Here I am, on a tight budget with school, and the Lord used me to bless someone else struggling even more.

Nathaniel's faith has renewed mine.

Enjoy this holiday season... and let us be thankful... whether we have a little or a lot.

K.D.

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