Ian’s Story – Homeless on the Road

21. Feb, 2011 0 Comments

I shared a conversation with a homeless man named Ian. I found him sitting with his dog at the back of a convenience store. He didn’t look welcoming or kind but I found him to be both.

His life took a turn for the worse when he was incarcerated at 15 years of age. After being released from prison, he chose to live on the road at the age of seventeen. He has faced many tough circumstances and he shared that his facial tattoo’s haven’t helped matters.

Our conversation reminded me of how disappointing life becomes when we look for happiness in what others do for us. Ian is not sure there is a God who loves him and cares deeply for him. He has chosen to place his faith in humanity and the goodness that is in the heart of people. Sadly, people will never be able to fill the void in Ian’s life.

You may have noticed the four words on Ian’s jacket. If you didn’t take a closer look. His jacket reads, “SCUM OF THE EARTH.” There are some who look at a tattooed hitch hiker with scorn. They would agree with the slogan on Ian’s Jacket. I too find it hard to not write off Ian. But I know that God did not create him to be “Scum”. God created Ian to be the recipient of His love through the sacrifice of His Son- Jesus Christ. It is not too late for Ian to experience God’s love. I am praying for him and hope you will too.

Homelessness isn’t always chosen. What would you do if you were homeless? Check out Spent – an online game that simulates life on the brink of homelessness.

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If you would like to understand more about homelessness and how you can help, check out – Invisible People or Mark Hovarth’s posts on The Huffington Post