Caring for Christ in the Everyday

By Joe Sullivan, MJ • Phoenix, AZ

He apologized for making me wait as he plopped his small and frail frame into the back seat of the Rav 4 I was driving for my job in medical transport. He looked anxious. He told me his body was worn down now and needed medication to stay alive.

“I was so happy and successful as an actor on Broadway in New York City. I was young and on top of my game. I lived pretty recklessly,” he told me. He said he used to party a lot. “Until one night when I was invited to have a couple of drinks with some of my fellow actors after rehearsal. I woke up the next morning on the floor, unclothed and confused.” 

This was back in the 80’s. I can tell he used to be a very handsome man with very expressive eyes, but age and affliction had taken their toll. Long story short, he has been HIV positive since that time and nearly died from AIDS a few times over the years, as well as a couple suicide attempts. 

He held back tears as he told me his story. He said he has come to terms with being alone most of his life. I could clearly see his tortured soul. Struggling to find the correct words to console him, I let my heart lead and told him how God has been with him the whole time in all his suffering and loneliness, and that He is still with him even now. 

I saw the suffering in his eyes as well as the love of brother as we firmly shook hands, and he stepped out of the cab. “I believe that!” he claimed without hesitation. 

I felt I had looked Christ in the eyes that day. I know I did, and there is no greater blessing than to love and care for Him.