When we first started taking prayer and meals out to the homeless in downtown Nashville, which was now largely abandoned by the coronavirus orders, Brett Swayn of The Cookery asked us to go out with him on a Saturday morning.

We did, and he talked to the men under the bridge about his inclusive, culinary arts training program for homeless men, for anyone there who was interested. We continued to give out lunches with Brett as he does every day.

When I walked up to one elderly man sitting on the base of a statue, I gave him his lunch and asked to pray. With a smile and a wink, he introduced himself as Willie Nelson, Jr., and said, “Yes. Of course.”

We started praying immediately, and not even a minute later, huge teardrops were falling from his face as he bent over in prayer. He showed me the crucifix he was wearing as a pendant, and he said, “I know Jesus. I know the Holy Spirit. I kiss this cross every morning, every day.” And he did.

“I saw Holy Spirit coming up here with you as soon as you started to walk over. I could see Him and feel Him. He came up with you.”

He continued to weep as we continued to pray, each large teardrop falling directly onto the cross he was holding. He was crying tears of joy, echoing the prayers I was saying for him, as led by Holy Spirit.

“I know God has a plan for me. I know He does. I talk to Him every day.”

I continued praying until the prayers were full, and then I asked if he was okay. He said he was and continued to pray himself, crying and bending over his cross, talking to God and thanking Him.

I rejoined Brett, who was concerned, in the van. He leaned toward the window to see what was happening and asked, “Why is he crying?”

“It’s Holy Spirit. They’re tears of joy,” I told Brett. “He said he could see Holy Spirit coming up to him as I walked up. He could feel Him, and he’s overwhelmed with joy.”

“Amen,” Brett replied.

Amen, indeed. The gifts of God are everywhere, and He’s asking us to take them to people.

In Your Name, Jesus, we pray. Amen.

~ Julie