Amazing Grace
How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.
Like Lacey.
Like you.
His hands were splattered in blood. It was desiccated and dark red. A white hospital band hugged his wrist trying to hide under his sleeve. His face was mangled and his eyes were dark brown and set deep within his face. His words all muddled together when he talked…or tried to. In his hands was a harmonica. His harmonica barely left his lips but he managed to get out his name, and it was finally understandable. Donald. He sat on a ledge with a small black fence lining his back like prison bars in 5 points Georgia.
“Donald.” He said. Then back the harmonica went in-between his lips with expertise and began flying back and forth creating a melody. As soon as notes began flowing out I couldnt help but smile. His simple playing was giving me unbeliebable joy. And you could tell how happy it made him. I didn’t recognize any of the melodies but it was beautiful. A homeless man playing a harmonica was touching my heart, making me smile. I was worshiping on the street to harmonica music.
How sweet the sound
Inbetween creating music with his small harmonica we talked to him. It was unbelievably hard to make out what he was saying. but my teammate Theresa and I finally ended up asking to pray with him. I honestly didn’t know if has paying attention or understanding what we were saying. But he stood wobbling on his unsteady legs and grasped my hand with strength. I grasped back his bloodied hand.
That saved a wretch like me
And we prayed. I struggled with myself and then prayed out loud. Theresa Don and I stood and prayed. And then Don prayed. He knew Jesus, he was living on the streets but he loved and knew Jesus. I trembled inside. In the moment I can’t describe what happened…because it was a God moment. I didnt even know he was understanding. I was doubting, struggling, learning and worshiping all in the same moment. “Dear Lord Jesus, I pray for Don!”
I once was lost but now am found
God used the team to touch Dons heart that day. It was amazing to see God at work in front of my face. I dont remember everything that happened or was said after that but God was molding and making. He was healing. Donald sat back down hands trembling and put the harmonica back to his pink lips. I looked off my head spinning and once again notes began to flow from Don’s harmonica. I snapped my head back. Did I recognize this song? Don had’t played anything that sounded familiar yet…It couldn’t be….but it was. The melody poured from his heart, out through his harmonica, and straight into our souls…
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,
that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see.
