Speaking Drama 1

“What’s it going to take, Rick?”

I met Rick about four years ago. He was a regular, one of the chronically homeless that makes up most of the people served under the bridge. His leathered skin makes him look about 40, but it’s hard to say; I’d bet that frame has some high mileage. He looks unmistakably homeless: dirty, unshaven, disheveled, rank; however, he is surprisingly articulate and personable. He usually remembers my name, if he isn’t too inebriated, and almost always engages with me in some banter.

Lately, Rick has been asking me directly for money. You could see the desperation in his unhealthy eyes. He would tell me some socially acceptable story about his need for a dollar or some change. I hated that he had to lie. I hated that I was in such a position of power over him. I hated the darkness that was confining him. The past few encounters, I gave him a couple of dollars out of pity. It would give him a brief reprieve from the gorilla that had taken up residence on his back. Tonight, though, I denied his request.

I looked Rick in the eye and tried to drop in. What should I say? Nothing was coming. Generally, when nothing comes I say nothing. I have this idea that sensitivity and discernment are a critical part of what and how to say words of light and life. However, I have other voices that argue for a less sensitive, more direct approach; some are critical voices from the past, and others are related to my own left-brain preference to be straightforward, not to mention my general lack of confidence and practice in perceiving and following the subtle whispers of my heart. Maybe I should practice the direct approach.

ME: “What’s it going to take, Rick?”
Rick: “To do what?”

I could smell the alcohol on his breath.

ME: “To get you off the streets. What is one thing that is keeping you in your situation?”
Rick: “I like to have a drink every now and then.”
ME: “Do you have a drinking problem?”
Rick: “No.”
ME: “I hate it that you are suffering and having to live like this. God is calling you to a different way of living.”
Rick: “We all just do the best we can.”

The encounter went on for a bit, but this last cliche'd response was consistent with his body language and his subsequent responses.  Even the untrained could sense he wasn't going to go there.

Drama is almost always more interesting and instructive than ideas. 

Next, I will post what I learned and what questions were raised from this encounter about how to speak words of life and light.  Any thoughts?