All I Ever Wanted Was Love

Our Faith Mission Team received our monthly newsletter in August from The Rock at Noonday, and this excerpt from the Executive Director Ricardo Devine’s message made us think a little differently about the clients we serve at The Rock. We wanted to share this with all of you.

“As we continue to serve outside at The Rock at Noonday, I recently had an encounter that reminded me why this work matters so deeply. While asking guests to kindly clear the side walks so those with disabilities and members of the community could pass through safely, I met a man named CJ. As we walked together toward the front of the line where lunch was being served, we began talking. I asked him how he ended up on the streets, and after a pause he quietly said, ‘It’s a long story.’ I smiled and told him I had time. CJ, 32 years old, shared that he never imagined he would become homeless nor an addict. His childhood was shaped by instability - both parents were addicts, constantly in and out of jail - and he never had a strong support system nor positive role models. He told me he used to watch other kids at school and wished someone cared for him the way they were cared for. All he wanted was to be loved and noticed, but instead he grew up feeling forgotten. Now, as an adult trying to turn his life around, he’s doing so completely on his own, without any family or outside support.

I asked him what he would want to share with our donors and supporters if he had the chance. He thought for a moment and said something that stuck with me. ‘Don’t see us as homeless - see us as people who just want to be loved and cared for. I never got that as a kid or an adult. But here at The Rock, I’ve felt that love. You taking the time to talk to me showed me I’m seen and cared for.’ His honesty was powerful and deeply humbling. Before we parted ways, I had the opportunity to share the Gospel with CJ. I reminded him that no matter his past or present, Christ sees him, knows him, and will never leave him if he places his trust in Him. CJ smiled and said, ‘I want that.’ In that moment, it was clear he wasn’t just being polite - he genuinely felt seen, known, and loved for perhaps the first time in a very long time.

What a powerful reminder that behind every face is a story, and often a deep longing to be loved. CJ’s words ‘All I ever wanted was love’ echo in my heart. As we continue serving a population that is often overlooked or forgotten, I pray his story reminds you of why we are called to love the least of these, just as Christ has loved us. You are helping us to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who need it most. On behalf of CJ and so many others who come through our gates each day searching for hope - thank you.”