His hands were rough from years of labor, yet he had a gentle handshake. The way he entered the room was noble and warm. His posture was of humility and chivalry. His closely cut graying hair showed his wisdom while the bags under his eyes shared his years of life. Something about him was instantly charming…like that of a true southern gentleman. He kindly nodded his head as he shook your hand. This is Max.
As he entered the warm house that was flowing with a birthday celebration, he made his way to say hello to each person. There was something about this man that intrigued me, yet words couldn’t quite describe it. He stood tall as an oak tree around the people, yet he was easy to never tower above anyone. By simply looking and talking to Max you would instantly know he is full of wisdom from years of life. From the gulf around Mobile, Al to the north shores of Connecticut, to the mountains of North Carolina now to the streets of Nashville…Max has lived his share of life. From being a police officer, to owning a fish market, to running a neighbor goldmine through his variety store, Max did it all. He and his wife nurtured there children as they worked in their family store teaching them ethics, values but most of all respect of others.
The thing that struck me about Max was the incredible amount of peace in which he walked. It was so genuine. His smile was that of a loving grandfather proud of every kid that ran through his arms. Max truly is a remarkable man and one to be honored and valued.
Max is homeless. He has a van in which he folds his seats up and will roll out his mattress to sleep at night. With two five gallon buckets, he gathers rain water to wash his clothes. After washing them, he strings them up inside his van to dry. He began to share stories of his life and he talked and he talked and he talked. Yet I was gripped to each word as this man was sharing his heart from the eyes in which I have never seen. At one point in his life, Max owned a three million dollar business that was flourishing. Sacrificially he sold it for $1 to his wife to ensure the proper care of their children as they grew up. I had so many questions I wanted to ask Max. What brought you here? How did this happen to you? Where is your family? How do you sleep at night? Yet none of these questions materialized as I sat on the edge of my seat and listened to each story he shared.
There were stories of those from the streets. The lessons he learned of how he could ensure he was able to eat each day at various spots in the city. Three meals a day is vital to Max because he is a diabetic. He shared of how tough it was to stay at the local mission. The hustle, the rage, the territorialism, the anger, the filth, dysfunction, and hopelessness that Max described caused a heaviness in the room. He simply stands his ground there while being careful to not get involved in the riff raff.
The night went on as Max shared stories of his life. He always spoke with a positive tone and one cloaked with optimism. He said the only way he gets through the day is know God is on his side. Without his faith he would be purposeless. Right now he simply is finding his purpose within his circumstances. Even now out of his own poverty, he still gives to help others. Whether it’s a quarter for the drunk on the street or clothes out of his own van, he still has that inert notion to help others. He knows that this is only a temporary time for him, yet he is unsure of its final day.
I listened to Max all night as he spoke, he laughed, he joked at himself and was so sincere. He shared how he has come close to death’s doorstep far too many times, yet fully recovered because he has a purpose. Max spoke life. He never cursed God, but rather shared his admiration for a Father that still provides and protects him.
Sitting back in my chair I simply could not help but admire Max for his attitude and faith. I can truly say I have no idea what I would do if I were in his situation. Would I allow my pride to get the best of me? Would I turn psycho and forget my identity in Christ? Would I have any will at all? These are questions I think we all “think” we know what we would do, yet until we land on that door step we are clueless.
Max tonight taught me the importance of listening and understanding people where they are. He caused me to take a step back and say where am I making a difference? Is it all talk? Is it all about me? When am I giving sacrificially to where its ok that I am left empty pocketed? Where have I spoken harshly or judged too quickly? How have I become too comfortable that I miss the value of people and listening to their story? Max gave me a reality check. It was good. It shifted something within…deep within. Thank you Max for being you. May we never become to big, busy or think too much of our self that we simply do not have the time to listen. Ask yourself…are you the one always listening…or always talking? Thanks Max! You are an incredible man!
