Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Crystal (04/24/25)
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TITLE: Friendship, Laughter and Food stamps | Previous Challenge Entry
By Francie Snell
04/30/25 -
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As the stop light glowed red, a women’s cry broke through the quiet morning. “Help me, help me!” she repeatedly sobbed. Across the intersection she stood on the corner under the dim streetlight, a slight, dark figure all alone.
The light turned green, then I pulled up to the curb next to her and called out the passenger side window. “You need help?”
The striking young Black woman, high cheek bones and eyes full of grief sobbed hysterically, “He took my keys, he took my keys. I can’t get in my car.” She pointed down the street. “It’s parked down there. I can’t believe he did this to me.”
“Is there anyone who can come get you?”
With pain in her eyes, she took a moment before she spoke. “Yeah, My Dad, I can call my dad. Maybe he’ll come and get me.”
“Come on, get in and we’ll try and find a pay phone,” I said with a sense of gallantry.”
The strong sent of alcohol wafted in as she sat in the passenger seat. I pulled out into the empty street as she continued her fragmented story drenched in alcohol and regret.
Single and struggling with three kids I knew well the tale of hardship. By God’s Grace I had escaped an abusive relationship of my own, a 12-year marriage I was relieved to finally be free of, at least for the most part. But now, God was painting a new piece to the picture of my life of freedom and opportunities to minister to others who suffered.
With no cars in sight, I didn’t hesitate to drive through the next stop light.
“What are you doing running the stop light? “She scolded. “That’s against the law. You can’t be doing that!”
I turned to her and winked. “That’s the way I meet cops.”
She burst into laughter, like music, until she finally caught her breath. “Oh my, oh my, I haven’t laughed that hard for so long.”
From tears to laughter, she gave me the best reward I could ever receive. And we laughed together.
Within a few blocks we found a payphone where she made a phone call with some spare change I was relieved to find in my purse. We drove and parked where she was told to wait, but we didn’t have to wait long. In a short while a car pulled up and parked in front of mine.
Before she got out of my car, I gave her some of my food stamps. “Hey, what’s your name?” I asked as she opened the door.
“Crystal, my name is Crystal, named after my grandma. She died a year ago.” She leaned in and hugged me and kissed my cheek with a teary kiss. “Thank you, thank you so much. You are like an angel.” She got out of my car and into the car with the man she called Dad.
A moment later, the man got out of his car and walked back to mine, then peered through the open window. “Thank you, ma’am, for taking care of my girl.” He nodded with a sad smile then walked back and got in his car. Then the two of them drove away.
Satisfied I had given her the most precious gifts I could offer: friendship, laughter and food stamps, I drove on to pick up the remaining load of papers for my next round of deliveries, realizing they weren’t near as precious as the delivery I had just made.
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