The “Walk” Resumes in an Unusual Way
Walk Week 41: Sapphire Jule King is homeless and unemployed in America.
Throughout the past eight years, I have volunteered my time with various community organizations serving individuals and families with economic, educational, emotional, and spiritual challenges. Coming from very humble beginnings, I learned to see myself in these individuals although I earned a decent engineer’s salary and lived in a above-average housing. As my relationship with my Higher Power strengthened, I learned to hear God’s voice when they spoke to me. I learned to regard them no differently just because they asked for change, wore soiled clothes, or made their beds out of old blankets and cardboard. As a child and throughout my teenage years, I was considered the housed homeless–only one step away from becoming one of “those people.” Fortunately, the strong support of my grandmother kept my mother, my three siblings, and me from having to experience true homelessness.
Now, God has called me to discover something. To unveil some truth that has yet to be explored. He has called me to move to Rhode Island with no money, no housing, and no income. He asked me to trust Him and take a leap of faith. “If you have the courage, you will find the need,” He said. So I did it. I traded in my athletic walking shoes for low-peeled, black patent leather pumps that are not that friendly to walk in. I have traded in the dri-fit athletic walking gear for black slacks, a pink silk cami, and a stylishly-cut suit jacket. Gone is the backpack; in its place is a carry-on size suitcase stuffed with essentials and a shoulder bag full of journals. I am now the face of 14.8 million unemployed and 1.6 million homeless individuals in the United States. I am homeless and unemployed in America.
Sustained by Faith
One month ago when God asked me to move to Newport, RI, He promised to light my path and take care of my needs. He has upheld his promise. I only had $116 to buy the $120 one way airline ticket when I received the message. Within the next couple of days, the airlines reduced the fare by $20, allowing me to follow God’s directive. Upon arriving yesterday, I sat at the airport still trying to figure out where I would spend the night. I had made some local connections through my professional contacts, but none had turned up any solid housing leads for a woman claiming to be on a leap-of-faith mission from God. I suppose for most people that is a bit much to swallow. Thus, God provided.
After spending two hours in the airport yesterday, I decided to use half of my $106 cash reserves for a hotel room. My options were looking even more grim with half of my cash gone. I spent the night still formulating an action plan for securing housing or employment. With the breadth and depth of my knowledge, skills, and abilities, one would think it not that difficult to find something. Reluctantly but obediently, I dressed in my new “Walk” uniform, repacked my bags and headed to the front desk to checkout. How in the world am I going to get anything done lugging this stuff around, I thought to myself. I inquired at employment with the Front Desk Supervisor. Her customary pre-employment questions opened the door for me to fully explain my situation. I completed the paper application and returned to the front desk. And waited. And waited for the Supervisor to check me out. She apologized for the wait and explained that she was trying to do something.
Finally, she looked up at me with the most sincere eyes and said, “I just don’t want to turn you away… I had a guest who checked out early but prepaid for one more night. I was just going to check him out tomorrow, but I am trying to move his reservation to your room so that you can stay. I don’t know why I am doing this. I am sure I can get in trouble for this.” A few minutes later, I was returning my suitcase, shoulder bag, and coats to the room so that I could visit local outreach organizations hands-free. I don’t think God is going to bring any punishment her way. So I give many thanks and blessings to Comfort Inn-Airport and the entire Choice Hotels International organization for hiring such compassionate people. Let’s see what the rest of the day brings.
Copyright © 2010 Sapphire Jule King and International Freedom Coalition