He’s bobbing his head to the music and writing something in his notebook. His unbuttoned shirt pronounces his concave chest as he leans over the counter. It only takes a quick survey to tell me he’s homeless.
He looks our way and asks, “Where are you from?” Alex and I each give our respective states in reply. The mystery of what he was writing about quickly is solved when he asks if we would like to read one of his poems. He hands us his notebook filled with beautiful cursive filling its pages. His work is quite good and we tell him as much. He smiles and asks if he can write a poem for us.
Within 10 minutes, we read our poem. It’s quite amazing how without much conversation, our new friend William has beautifully captured our journey on the Race.
Just like that, the ice is broken and conversation flows easily. It’s a delight to begin to learn his story and what motivates him every day.
There’s something different about William. I notice that he is quick to smile, always flashing a big grin that transforms the hard lines on his face.
Looking into his eyes, I see peace. I see hope. I see love. I see purpose. How can he can find these things while living out a daily reality on the streets?
It’s simple: Jesus.
God is the reason that William wakes up each day with joy despite hard circumstances. He is the reason why William takes it upon himself to be a street ambassador of Guyana, welcoming people to his country. He’s the reason why William shares poems.
I couldn’t help but be inspired by his child-like faith. Although he doesn’t know where his next meal is coming from, he knows the One who provides. He may not have a job, but he lives out a calling to love the Lord and others with the resources he has. He may not have many teeth, but the joy of the Lord is too much to contain. William truly knows who he is and who is Father is.
And his father is awesome.
He is an awe-inspiring God who loves his children radically. So much so, He connected this Racer on a hunt for WIFI with a homeless poet in the middle of Georgetown, Guyana to encourage and love on each other.
A poem for some youthful and eager new friends:
You’ve come so far to find some truth
Something you’re experiencing as youth
These times you’ll always remember
When your future you share with another
Your focus and success depend on your choice
Be careful to answer to the call of the first voice
Your success will always depend on you
That’s a fact, it’s so true
This journey, this search will be a cure
Somewhere inside, something’s unsure
So be sure in your steps, make positive ones
Just stop, consider, your journey’s just begun
William Samuel Bremner
