Lisa’s story could have been titled, “Going Nowhere.” Clouds of despair looming over the everyday sameness threatened to destroy any hope for change. Thousands like Lisa are sadly drowning in the sea of despondency created by the dysfunction that defines their world, and their only self-preservation is to say, “Isn’t everybody dysfunctional to some degree?” To many women, this rhetorical question provides an escape from the reality that haunts every page in the disconcerted chapters of their lives. Such was the case of Lisa.

Lisa attained an Associate’s degree in retail following high school, but her dream of surpassing the week-to-week paycheck lifestyle, created when her alcoholic father walked away from the family, abruptly ended when Mike* entered her life. That relationship put Lisa on a track of errors in judgment and dashed youthful aspirations. The birth of Ali was the only pleasant memory Lisa salvaged from the physically abusive relationship with Mike. Years later, Lisa and Gerald* fell in love and were married. Cameron was born. That happiness was short-lived; Lisa’s mother soon died. Shortly thereafter, Gerald moved the family from New York to Florida. Lisa sadly left her one remaining family member behind – a brother raised in homes for delinquents since the age of ten.

That is when I met Ali and Cameron. Ali would push Cameron in a stroller across six lanes of traffic on Busch Boulevard in Tampa to attend church on Sundays and Wednesdays. Sunday donuts and Wednesday dinners provided sustenance while Lisa worked at a fast-food restaurant. By this time, Gerald and Lisa had separated, leaving Lisa and the children no place to live. The only home she could afford was a tent. Six months later, government assistance helped Lisa secure a one-bedroom apartment for her little family.

My husband and I began picking up Ali and Cameron for church on Sundays and Wednesdays three years ago. We attend Ali’s school activities such as open houses, sports events and award ceremonies when her mother is working. We make sure Ali, a dedicated Christian, is able to attend youth outings and trips. We provide transportation for doctor’s appointments and pay Lisa to help with our household chores occasionally.

Lisa worked steadily, but was desperate for better-paying employment. Although she maintained a good work ethic and dependability, Lisa needed a resume to reflect those traits. I asked Lisa to spend an afternoon with me while I typed a resume for her. The reward came a few weeks later when her new employer said, “This is the first time anybody has actually given me a resume.”

Overtime, these periods of interaction have developed a rapport and trust with Lisa. Two months ago, she began coming to church. Last week, Lisa gave her heart to the Lord. Hallelujah! Her baptism Sunday will be a celebration for the entire church. Also, she is now studying medical coding and billing at the Ultimate Medical Academy, and will graduate in ten months with a more financially employable skill.

When Jesus spoke to the crowds in Matthew 25:31 (NIV), saying the people will be separated from each other as a shepherd would separate his sheep and goats, Jesus was indicating that the way we treat the needy is a reflection of our hearts. He said, “…I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” (Matthew 25:40 NLT)

Lisa represents only one family of the “least” who has come among us from a neighborhood where heartache, oppression, crime, dire needs and lack of skills dictate the daily direction of people with ruined lives, crushed dreams and lost hopes. I wonder, “Who is next, Lord?”

*Name has been changed.