In D.C. circa July 1996, I was helping my friend, Ted, move… and something happened that moved me.

This bum comes up to me and says, “Sir, lemme hep ya… I was an Army man..a soldier… I can hep ya…I can hep ya.”

So he helped us with the box or two that remained. When all was done I tried handing him a couple bucks; I can’t remember if he refused it or not; I think he did refuse it. But that’s not the point. I do remember treating this man with respect… I was recently divorced, and I couldn’t judge him… I felt like he looked.

Since we treated him with respect, he insisted on hugging us… I had no problem with that… honestly… I was happy to do so as lonely as I was.

And I tell you what. Till this day, I never had a warmer hug in all my life. Ted felt the same thing. The man walked away laughing, singing and dancing… Ted and I were left standing in awe. We felt like we got the better end of the deal!!!

I sometimes wonder if that guy wasn’t actually Jesus just saying hello in His own special way.

John Gage is a no-name author inspired once to write a true story…he is a devout Christian and family man; he teaches Sunday school and leads two fellowships in his home in Utah. He also performs duties as a Major in the United States Air Force. (Editor’s Note: He wrote this bio – I didn’t! In my opinion, he’s far too humble!)

John.Gage@HILL.af.mil