The Rolling Prophet

I called him the “Rolling Prophet.” 

Carlito was in a wheelchair when I met him. He was an older man, frail and sick, but all smiles. He had a gray beard and sparkly eyes. He looked a little like Santa Claus if Father Christmas was paralyzed and had to go five rounds with chemotherapy. Carlito usually rolled up to us on his electric chair while we were setting up our weekly outreach in Harlem. He couldn’t help us physically, but he would always greet us with an encouraging word or a blessing from scripture. I knew that he lived in an assisted living facility nearby. He received about $900/month in Social Security Disability and cash assistance, but once his rent contribution came out and he bought necessities like food, clothes, and toiletries, there was almost nothing left. He had someone who would check in on him and make sure he was ok, but he had no spouse and no family. And yet, he was always smiling. 

One day I asked him, “Carlito, how are you so happy all the time?” 

“Josiah, a few years back I was addicted to drugs. I was hopeless. I was angry. One day, I decided I couldn’t take it anymore and jumped out of a window in a high rise. But as I was falling, I realized I wanted to live and I prayed that God would save me. I woke up in a hospital a few days later and I knew that God had answered my prayer. I was paralyzed but I was alive! God is so good, Josiah. I am so thankful to be alive. But most importantly...” He paused and stared deeply into my eyes. “I know that God loves me. That God forgives me. How can I not wake up every day with a smile on my face?” 

Carlito passed away a few years back. Or at least I believe he did. One of the downsides of doing street outreach is that people disappear. Often, it’s a good thing. It means someone got housing or moved in with family. But sometimes it means that the game of survival is finally over and the streets claim another victim. 

I will never forget the Rolling Prophet. 2020 has been an unbelievably challenging year. We have all lost loved ones. We have all faced the fear of the unknown. We have all felt pain and stress like never before. But in spite of it all, this Thanksgiving, I will try to remember the life and wisdom of my friend Carlito: 

God loves me.

God forgives me. 

How can I not wake up every day with a smile on my face?

On behalf of myself and all of us at New York City Relief, we hope that this Thanksgiving you find moments to be thankful, even in the midst of our current difficulties.

Josiah Haken