Film, Skid Row, and Mary.

About two years ago a friend and I ventured the area of Skid Row.  We saw, smelled, and experienced a new world.  Last night I came across a few of the negatives from the many rolls of film I took while we were there.  It brought me back to that day.  Once again I remembered the events that took place while we were there, many things difficult to see.  As I continued looking through the negatives, I noticed a few taken of the same woman... and I remembered a beautiful woman name Mary.

 I honestly don't even remember how we started talking with her- but I remember she was hesitant when I took my camera out.  After gaining her trust, she warmed up to us and gave me permission to take her picture.  She spoke with us for awhile about the world she lives in, the life she lives,  the people she interacts with daily, and her faith.  She told us how she knows God is present in her life, because He has saved her numerous times.  She told us she wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for God's protective hand on her life.  She was a kind and inspiring woman, she had been through so much, yet still had room in her heart for kindness and faith.

Deep down, Mary and I are the same.  We are human.  We are struggling, fighting, and trying to keep our faith when times get rough.  She was an inspiration to me that day, inspiring me to keep fighting, to keep smiling, and to keep loving, even when life doesn't hand you exactly what you dreamed it would.

I'm so thankful for the time we were able to spend with Mary that day.  I know I will see her again, and when I do, we'll be free.