On the Streets of Memphis
Last night in Memphis, at the opening of the 34th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America, the host speech, included a lengthy warning to be careful downtown at night due to panhandling and crime. The speaker informed us that since Katrina hit New Orleans, a steady stream of homeless people have departed New Orleans, arriving in Memphis. We were told not to give any attention to the poor on the streets. Before I entered my hotel last night, saying goodnight to several brothers, a homeless Irish man, Sean, approached asking me for some money. I told him that I was unable to give him cash, but that at 7 AM I would be meeting my first cousin and brother Stephen for breakfast in the hotel. I invited him to join us and he promised me that he would do so. Continue reading »
