Direct Line to God!

I spent all day yesterday at JPS Hospital learning how to install EKG monitors. As some of you know, I am starting a new job selling Cardiovascular equipment to hospitals and JPS is a customer in my territory.

If you are not familiar with the fine work of this hospital, it is where most "less fortunate" and homeless go for care. It is a great place to watch people and, if you are so inclined, to look for good stories.

I just so happened to meet a woman yesterday that provided me with a fairly entertaining few minutes and would like to share my visit with her.

I was sitting in the main lobby waiting for the others in my group to show up. I had been there for about 15 minutes, when a woman in her late 50s or so walked up to me. She was holding 2 plastic sacks full of clothes and looked like she was homeless (I cannot confirm this through my conversation with her). Here's how it all went down:

Woman: "Sir, I just got discharged from here and don't have money for bus fare. Can you help me out?"

Me: "How much is bus fare?"

Woman: "Three dollars, but anything you can give is fine."

I open my wallet and all I have is $3, but I pull it out and give it to her anyway. She takes the money and continues to talk to me:

Woman: I" know you from somewhere. How do I know you?"

Me: I work down at the Union Gospel Shelter. Have you seen me there? Are you a resident at the shelter?"

Woman: "No!" Looking at me like I'm crazy for asking. "New York City?"

Me: "No. I've never been there."

Woman: "Brooklyn? I think it was Brooklyn."

Me: "No Ma'am. I live here and never been to New York."

Woman: "I know your parents. Who are your parents? I know them."

Me: "Well, my dad passed away and Mom lives in Amarillo."

Woman: "Your mother is a famous actress, isn't she? I know your Mom and she's a famous actress."

Me: "Sorry. No, she's a retired school teacher."

Woman: "Are you in ministry? Are you a minister?"

Me: "No, Ma'am. I'm not in professional ministry. I do like to think that I'm in ministry, though."

Woman: "I knew it. I can tell that you know God. Can you do me a favor?"

Me: "Sure. What is it?"

Woman: "Please pray for the children. Just pray for them."

Me: "I sure will."

Woman: "Oh, and when you talk to God, tell him to give me a call."

With that, she turned and walked out the front door.

I have to go now. I have a call to make.