20 Comments
User's avatar
Stanley Wotring's avatar

So many nuggets of wisdom but this is my favorite, “s once said, “What you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me.” Well, each of these people here are Jesus to me and I’m not about to serve a can of chili to Jesus.”

Expand full comment
TheUltraContemplative's avatar

Thank you Stan for landing on this. This is one of those ideals I try to live out, to appreciate the preciousness of others.

Expand full comment
Korie's avatar

Amazing story and outreach - it is this type of news that warms the heart and restores faith in humanity’s potential. My heart longs to do something similar in my own community. I have worked at renovating houses for the homeless but recently lost that opportunity. I’m praying for a new direction, a new open door to walk through to serve others who aren’t as fortunate as myself. Thank you so much for your example. 🙏🏼♥️

Expand full comment
TheUltraContemplative's avatar

Thank you so much for your kind remarks, Korie. The amazing aspect of this time in my life is that not only was I able to help others, but the change in my heart, in how I see and interact with others, the increased capacity I now have to appreciate others. Hope your prayers are answered soon🙏🏽

Expand full comment
Jocelyn Lovelle's avatar

These stories are so beautiful, Steve. They remind me of Gregory Boyle's stories. This, "Well, each of these people here are Jesus to me and I’m not about to serve a can of chili to Jesus.” made me laugh. And this reflection, "In the briefest moment I think about myself. When it rains I hurry from car to door, or door to door and when it’s cold I add layers and turn the thermostat up. Such is the life of privilege." so much privilege, so much to appreciate and be thankful for.

Expand full comment
TheUltraContemplative's avatar

Fr Boyle is one of my models of how to love others. One thing I always try to keep in mind is to love others the way need to be loved not the way I think I want to love them. Thanks for taking time with this, Jocelyn.

Expand full comment
Emily Conway's avatar

“I don’t want to serve Jesus and can of chili.” Everybody deserves to be seen and heard, to have their humanity acknowledged and supported. Thank you, Steve.

Expand full comment
TheUltraContemplative's avatar

Thank you so much, Emily. If there is anything I want to live up to, it's preserving the preciousness of others. This is quite the ideal that I find myself lacking in a lot of situations, but it is quite enlightening and rewarding when honoring others.

Expand full comment
Emily Conway's avatar

Yes! And it's hard!

Expand full comment
MaryAnn McKibben Dana's avatar

So so good, my friend. Thank you again!!

Expand full comment
TheUltraContemplative's avatar

I always appreciate your affirmation, MaryAnn. Thank you for reading and being here.

Expand full comment
Nina Carroll's avatar

Your words collage the chaotic scene eloquently in the opening paragraph, then capture the soft essence of these people with whom you commune, feed, engage.

Thanks for this service you provide.

Expand full comment
TheUltraContemplative's avatar

Thank you so much for acknowledging this, Nina. Homelessness is heartbreaking for everyone and it is overwhelming when it's a solo effort to try to help. But we can only try.

Expand full comment
Paul Wittenberger's avatar

It’s an extraordinary read, Steve: I look forward to more.

Expand full comment
TheUltraContemplative's avatar

Thank you so much for your presence, Paul. Glad you liked it and there is definitely more to come.

Expand full comment
Kara Westerman (she/her)'s avatar

So beautiful the way you describe the cave and the people there. I am so intrigued by this part of your life. Well done!

Expand full comment
TheUltraContemplative's avatar

Thanks for your responses Kara. It's fun to look back on that part of my life and just revel in the idea of how my heart changed for the better because of that experience. More to come!

Expand full comment
Andrea Davis's avatar

Thanks for sharing your beautiful heart in this touching and insightful mini memoir — this one soars.

Expand full comment
TheUltraContemplative's avatar

Thank you always for your kind words, Andrea and especially for helping my heart soar❤️

Expand full comment
TheUltraContemplative's avatar

Thank you for the restack, @Paul Wittenberger !

Expand full comment