Easter Morning

Writings from new HHH member Wendell Parham. Wendell is a budding writer and gifted graphic designer. You can read more of his writings at: CharlotteRefugee .

On the bus ride to UNCC, I sit in the side seat facing the curb side of the bus, directly across from “Chilly Willy”, local homeless celeb. Willy is a character, always shouting out how he will kick this one or that one’s southern and rear anatomy. I often quietly observer Chilly Willy, whom never really appears to want to hurt anyone, but does not tolerate others picking with him either.

I think Willy spends much of his time pursuing, with, or recovering from drink. In fact, this day would be my first to see Chilly Willy sober. He was on his way to the store. A little of this ‘amo’ will send ‘Chilly Willy’, as he would say with Cajun accent, fired up and ready to contest any windmill that moved. You can see yourself should you Google “chilly willy, homeless, charlotte” and witness a full page dedicated to one man.

This day on the bus, Chilly Willy was with warm Easter spirit. His complete ride he spoke with a woman, her granddaughter in tow, of how God loves and blesses us all. “Look at me. I’m ragged, but God still loves me!”, he softly said at one point.

Throughout the ride, all of 20 minutes long, he spoke with such focus of God’s endearing love, that I am sure he had God’s ear, ‘cause he had mine and everyone else on the bus. Then, in one of those unexpected moments that could have been announced with a thunderclap, Willy asked the lady, “Do you know my name?”. I paused in hesitation, waiting for the punch line, ‘I’m Chilly Willy’. This never happened. Instead he said, “My name is William Morris Majors. Would you please pray for me.” I watched as a tear formed in the corner of his right eye. He was not begging for help, just to have a presence in the House of the Lord during the celebration of The Resurrection. He continued, “Do me a favor and put my name in a prayer box, William Morris Majors.”

A now silent bus, as he rings for the next stop. Once he left, no words towards him, no words against him. Intelligence was shown in the silent appreciating of his requests, as if we all bowed our heads in prayer.“Dear Lord, I thank you for your gift this Easter morning, in the words of William Morris Majors. Yes Lord, today he commanded the floor with Your praise, word of Your love and tears of joy in acknowledging Your acceptance and presence. Testimony so great, Dear Lord, that it filled the hearts of all who witnessed. I humbly ask that You give as gift, the smile that is Your love this day, towards Mr. William Morris Majors, and brighten this day as a happy one for him.”