This past Friday, Kathy and I went out to see a movie called Pursuit of Happyness. Will Smith was in it - with his real son playing the role of his on-screen son. Kathy likes Will Smith and she wanted to see his cute son in movie. And, we heard this was based on a true story about a homeless man.
This movie, as Kathy calls it, wasn't so hollywood-ish. No spectacular special effects, not too many famous actors (other than will smith and his son), and it also wasn't a typical melodramatic feel-good movie which just makes you feel good for holiday season and that's it. It was a rare movie that stayed with me long after we left the theatre that night. And I would think that it really didn't cost the producers too much money to make this movie.
Maybe it was because it was based on a true story about a man who is still alive, Chris Gardner. Or, because it was about homelessness - which has been on my mind for a while these days. Perhaps, it was because it wasn't a movie that I could make a quick analysis at it and move on from it. Yes, it was a story of a man who was motivated to succeed in life because of his desire to care for his son. It is a movie that would give hope to people who might be at the edge of giving up on their life this holyday season. But, for me, it was also a movie that talked about homelessness as a social epidemic. It described the life of a man, but for me it also described the lives of many homeless men and women in this nation.
A few days before I watched the movie, I was also listening to a national public radio show on homelessness. Anyone who is interested, I recommend to listen to their first show called "The Issue of the Homeless - Is there a Solution that Works?."
Yesterday (Sunday), our church did our monthly Mission In The City for December - by going out to Lincoln Park in downtown Long Beach to feed homeless and also to give out some sleeping bags. We also gave out the flyers for the winter shelter just opened by Long Beach Rescue Mission. We know that a meal and a blanket do not cure the homeless epidemic, and we know that there are several professional organizations in Long Beach that do their very best to address this issue most effectively. But, I thought we would still go - if nothing else, to learn and hear their stories. What makes them homeless? What is different about their life to ours? What would God say about who they are, what they are doing, and what kind of future they should look forward to? What does Christmas mean for them other than receiving meals and blankets?
Just like the movie, Pursuit of Happyness, I don't have any easy analysis on homelessness. But, one thing I know is that Jesus Christ was born for them just as much; that God of salvation is still their God; and that they deserve to be happy as anyone else.
I saw a glimpse of that happiness when we were singing Christmas Carol with them at the park yesterday. In fact, they were singing them not as Christmas Carols, but as worship songs. Yes, they were worshipping God just like we would at the church - and more. And, I saw small happiness on their faces and in their voices. For them, pursuing happiness is receiving free meals, finding a winter shelter to sleep in, and singing Christmas worship songs with strangers who visited them. I'm happy that they were happy. But, I also couldn't stop thinking that with little help, they could be even happier in life. What can I do for them? What can our church do for them? Who is Chris Gardner in our lives?
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