He Meets Us on The Hospital Floor

I found myself in a movie type atmosphere last week that I will try and put into words. My friend Layla, who has finally been reaching out for help decided to make a huge step this past Wednesday. As a reminder, she is a crack addict, homeless, and lives a life of prostitution. From an outsiders point of view, people would probably identify her as "hopeless." I beg to differ. My friend Diz and I found ourselves taking Layla to her sisters house. Layla believes her sister is there for her always and will allow her to stay in her home. This is not the case. However, I decided to agree to take her there, because the second part of the deal with Layla, was that if her sister wasn't home, she would be taken to a hospital for rehabilitation. (Please understand that our relationship is strong enough now where I speak very, very boldly to Layla - without apology). We arrived at her sisters house. She wasn't home.

Layla wanted me to write a letter to her sister. She was saying everything, and I was just documenting it. "I want to come home. I am sorry. Please forgive me." She started to cry. Even though Layla has many, many issues - she feels an enormous amount of pain that she cannot hide at times. I held her hand and asked her if she was ok. "I am never ok, she tearfully replied back." We proceeded to go to the local hospital. As Layla was going through the initial process of being admitted, I sat and prayed. My heart broke for the amount of emotional pain Layla felt inside, along with her addiction. I was in a private waiting room as the time went on; she wanted me to wait until she was completely admitted.

The nurse came in and said I could go see her. I walked into what seemed to look like a holding cell with one cot. We were on the Psychiatric Unit, so you could imagine why. However, Layla had taken her one sheet with her pillow and laid it on the ground. I saw a frail, sick body laying on the hospital floor. I couldn't help, but envision our Lord and Savior huddled over her, the Healer of all Healers. I will never forget that image. I believe Jesus met Layla right there, in here brokenness, in her despair.

I have since then, gone and visited Layla a couple of times. It is evident that God is at work. He has not brought her this far, to just leave her out to dry. I will have more of an update next week. Please be in prayer for Layla.

God Is Love