Social Work Day

Although this internship is not always "social work" focused, yesterday was like a lesson in all the things I've learned the last four years. It was overwhelming to be honest.

There's a gentlemen who has grown up at Calvary and lived in the inner city of Jackson his whole life. He is 56 years old and has had quite a life. He has 9 children, his wife left their family years ago for crack and prostitution, and he stuck around. His family life is crazy- children in prison, others on the street, some who stick around for money or help. He cannot read or write, he was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer in 2010, and his life has been falling apart for years. But in the midst of this, he is absolutely precious and has a heart of gold. He smiles and laughs, loves to come sit and share stories, and just listening to him can brighten my day.

However, because of his cancer, he can't do much work. I had the privilege of working with him to set up an appointment at the social security office and help him apply for disability. But yesterday I was saddened at the weight of his struggle and his look of defeat. As we sat down with the SS Employee, I could instantly tell this would be a struggle. She was hardened, had the attitude like she had seen plenty of folks cheat the system, and how would she know that this man was any different? As politely, yet determinedly as possible, we began to explain his situation and advocate his need for disability.

She listened, but barely. She spoke harsh words and asked questions loaded with doubt. I watched this sweet man start to feel defeat, with tears in his eyes, his spirit sunk. I started praying eagerly for the Lord to first strengthen him, but to soften her. I asked for God's blessing on the situation, to give us the words to say and give this employee the desire to listen. Afterall, she would set the pace for the process and advocate for his application once we left.

Eventually, she came around, thanks to the Lord. I watched her start to actually listen, to soften, to speak more kindly to him. He began to share truthfully his feelings and his situation, and I think she began to see the pressing need on his life -- the pain he experiences daily was clearly conveyed. At the end of our time, we were not denied, but the process was sent on through the forms stage which could lead to a potential hearing, and with the right advocates and many many prayers, he could receive disability in the next 60-90 days.

What hit me so hard in the middle of this was just how broken our system is and how hard it makes advocating for those who deserve and need help. The ones who take advantage create walls for the ones in pain to climb, even though they've been climbing through hoops already. It's devastating to see the humanity of the system and know there is not much to do for change other than persist prayerfully that some light would be shed on how to offer hope and help efficiently and effectively.

My little social work world was blown yesterday. But I couldn't help but thinking the Lord had put me in that situation for a reason. I went with this man and was able to see the world through his eyes for just a minute, and it broke my heart. But that's the exact place the Lord can begin to move and change us if we let him!