Message: Silent Steps of the Forgotten (06/29/'24)

Message: Silent Steps of the Forgotten Dear Friends, In the heart of our city, under the cloak of night, there exists a hidden world, inhabited by the silent wanderers who walk our streets. These nocturnal figures – the sad, the mad, the bad, the lost, the lonely, the sleepless, and the homeless – embody the city's internal exiles. They move like whispers through the darkness, unseen by the bustling world that thrives under the sun. The night has always been a sanctuary for daylight’s dispossessed – the dissident and the different. It is in these shadowed hours that they find a semblance of peace, away from the prying eyes of judgment and societal norms. For ages, walking alone at night has been a silent rebellion, a quiet defiance against the rigid structures of society. These streets tell their silent stories. The sad wander with unseen tears, the mad with an intensity reflecting their inner turmoil, and the misunderstood bad with steps echoing tales of regret and redemption. The lost seek direction, the lonely yearn for connection, the sleepless count hours in shadows, and the homeless find solace under the open sky, dreaming of belonging. Amidst this nocturnal dance, dissidents join – those who dare to be different, treading paths less traveled. Men and women alike walk these silent streets, their steps a testament to their resilience, transforming the night into a realm of defiance and dignity. These nocturnal wanderers, cloaked in the quiet of night, reveal a profound truth: in their solitude, there is strength; in their silence, there is a voice. Their presence under the starlit sky reminds us that even in the deepest shadows, there is light. Their solitary walks weave a rich tapestry of human experience, filled with sorrow, hope, and resilience. Let us remember that these silent steps of the forgotten are never truly alone, for the night embraces them as its own. May we, as a community, find ways to bring light to their darkness and recognize the dignity and humanity in each nocturnal wanderer. With empathy and understanding, Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 29, 2024)