God Moments

Working for social justice really pushes one to reflect on where he or she sees God in their daily activities and interactions.  I have always wondered what it means to “see God.” Was it the time when one of my clients walked in and shared how important his relationship with God is to his survival and understanding about his current situation? Or what about that time that a client looked me in the eye and said, “I love you, Ms. Brittney. Thank you.”? I push myself each day to reflect on those “God moments,” but I often struggle to really identify them, as though I have closed myself off to experiencing God.

I remember that moment that Jamez walked into the office with his mom and dad. His little four year old body hid behind his mom as I walked up to ask him if he wanted a snack. He very quietly said yes, and that is where our friendship began. For the next two hours while his mom and dad were in appointments, Jamez followed me around the office, holding my hand. I gave him popsicles to enjoy, and he helped me to restock the pantry with items that were donated by a generous faith community that morning. Even though he started off very shy and seemingly frightened of me, after fifteen minutes or so, it was as though we had known each other for a long time and were old friends.  At lunch time, I remembered the mac ‘n’ cheese leftovers I had brought with me for lunch. Jamez had told me how much he loves macaroni and cheese, so I told him he could have some of my lunch. We worked together to get plates and forks, and even to microwave the food. When we sat down to eat, I told Jamez, “Ok. Let’s eat.” He looked at me, confused, and stuck out his hands. His beautiful four-year old eyes looked up at me and said, “Wait. We have to say grace first.” He grabbed my hands, and I listened as he prayed, “Thank you, God, for this food. Amen.”

I find it challenging to see God in each day when I work with people who suffer so much, from poverty and from HIV infection. To see a four-year old walk into the office and know that, in his short life, he has seen more and struggled more than I have in my twenty-two years, really makes me question my faith. Why would God allow people to suffer? Why would God allow such injustice? When a little boy looks at you and tells you to say grace, though, your perspective changes. After feeling like I have closed myself off to experiencing God for so long, Jamez changed me. He showed me what it is to experience God and have those God moments.