The all black school in Galena Park before integration in 1970.
“Bag lady, you gon’ hurt your back
Dragging all them bags like that…So pack light.” Erykah Badu
Having missionary hearts Melanie and I become interconnected with many people. Returning from South Africa, this compassion for humanity continues as we meet extraordinary people. A little over a year ago, we met God’s creation Ms. Ross* at the Ensemble Theatre. This professional theater, located in the heart of the Midtown Cultural Arts & Entertainment District of Houston, is dedicated to the production of works portraying the African American experience. My daughter Noel shined during her performance that evening and Ms. Ross was in the audience. A regal woman with her walker and bag expressed her love of the arts and downtown living. She explained The Metro bus and light rail transported her to places and events. We exchanged numbers to keep connection.
Today, Ms. Ross resides in a nursing home for rehab. Her desire is to return to her 5th floor single apartment. Through the course of our friendship, I’ve learned she is from East Houston. She was part of desegregation in Galena Park, graduating in 1970 from the previously all-white Galena Park High School. Her academic achievement allowed her acceptance into Rice University. Ms. Ross shared she rode the bus every day to attend the college and received her Spanish degree from Rice. Translating gave her a career in the Texas oil industry. Besides triumphs we also heard of heartache and trauma. As an only child, who never married or had any children, she sits in this rehab room alone with her bags. Ms. Ross is fiercely independent and self-sufficient, and these traits probably have alienated her from others who have attempted to help her in the past. She gave us a key to her 5th floor downtown dwelling, the open door revealing her burdens and bags have overcrowded her livable space.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Pray for Ms. Ross to give her burdens to God and pray for us to link her with resources that will remove her bags and surround her with Christian community.
* – not her real name.
Sincerely,
Leon Best
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