"Sonny's Blues"

“Freedom lurked around us and I understood, at last, that he could help us to be free if we would listen, that he would never be free until we did.”

It’s amazing how time and time again I am reminded of the importance of listening. Whether it be listening to what God is saying during quiet time or listening to those around me; being in tune with something other than myself. I am truly amazed at how much healing and in Sonny’ case: how freedom comes from simply taking to listen and/or being heard. I guess I’ve come to this conclusion through actually practicing listening. This year I have been helping with M_9:35 (homeless outreach ministry on campus), and as we fellowship with the homeless people I realize how much they just want someone to listen to them. A lot of the people are so willing to open up and share life experiences with us; all they need is someone to listen to them. I definitely believe that if we are humbled before God and are willing to be used by him, as we spend time listening to those around us God’s healing and freedom reaches out to them. While fellowshipping with the homeless people I sometimes get teary-eyed because of how powerful God’s love us upon our lives, but it takes listening to help realize it. I have learned so much from listening to the stories and experiences being told by the homeless as well as the heartfelt advice often given. An unforgettable experience which occurred not too long was when a homeless man was sharing his story and he began to sob as he told us his story. He shared with us some of his personal life, his struggles, his concerns, his fears, and we simply took time to listen. As he wiped his tears away with his hand he then began to thank us for taking the time to listen. He said it was just what he needed; someone to listen to him. How many more are in search of freedom and healing? All it takes is someone willing to listen.