This is the first of a new series that highlight people I meet while doing street photography and the stories of our encounters. Over the course of the past 5 years, I have met a lot of people and spend time with them – listening, conversing, ministering, praying and often times sharing a meal with them. Each post will feature a candid shot, a portrait and a photo of their hands… I have always been drawn to hands – they tell a story within themselves. I print out the portrait and give it to them to keep. It’s always a joy when I get to run into them again. Though not all the people featured will be homeless, the intents of these posts are to humanize the homeless and to illustrate that if we can take just a few minutes, loving your neighbor can be as easy as that… taking the time.
Every person I encounter is unique, special and has a story to tell. Here is Umberto’s.
I met Umberto yesterday while walking back to my car during lunch. I was wearing a Norton motorcycle t-shirt and he asked if I rode one. He began telling me how he used to have a 1970 Triumph that he rebuilt for his son and we sat and talked about motorcycles, fatherhood, art, what it means to love someone deeply and his relationship with God. He has a contagious laugh and is full of joy despite his current circumstances – a true testament to Philippians 4:11 “ Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.“ I find that most of the time the people I meet minister to me without knowing it. If you see Umberto, take the time to say hi and hear his story firsthand.