Jeff

Jeff is a nurturer. For years he has been a devoted partner to Melissa, his girlfriend, and together they have migrated from Florida to California, preferring the open streets to the shelters. A series of losses has taken their home, then their van they were living in, and now their health. Jeff’s foot is infected so badly it’s swollen up huge and he can’t walk on it. Yet, his focus is not on himself, but on gently caring for Melissa’s needs. He is solicitous, making sure she has what she needs. He extends his caring to those around him as he shares his simple snack, and he has a nurturing manner that reminded me of my own father. I prayed with Jeff for his foot, and the next time I saw him the swelling had gone way down and he was able to walk.

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Jeff  by Jason Leith

found objects, charcoal, etching

SOLD, Private Collection, Corona Del Mar, CA

Jason@sacredstreets.org

Saul

Saul is a complex soul. We have been getting together regularly for several years, and he’s always this mixture of sorrow and hope. We often begin our time together working through some ugliness or disappointment in his life at the time, but we almost always get to a point where he finds his joy, and we part with smiles and long hugs. Saul is not shy about expressing his doubts about God, which come out most strongly when he’s disconnected from his friends. He draws strength from friends who can remind him that he has a purpose and the whole world is not against him. There were several months last year when Saul was homeless, and no matter where we met up he would be hauling these two gigantic suitcases behind him. But, he persevered through that time, just has he has with countless other setbacks, and he is now employed and making enough to keep a roof over his head.

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Saul  by Jason Leith

found objects, charcoal, etching

available for purchase

Jason@sacredstreets.org