Tenderloins of Cities - San Francisco for Instance - Robert Ball's Blog

Remembering San Francisco a while ago, not in the way distant past, let’s say 12 years ago. I lived and resided in this city by the bay. A financial hub of the west coat a mixture of people and cultures, all combined many different areas and different problems. In the center of market street is the tourist area, the trolley cars, tourist from all over the world gather. .

     Little known by the outsiders is right next to them is the place known as the tenderloin. Curious name don’t you think? Well that is where I made my home, a 14 block area of town that is notorious for killings, drugs, and muggings and such. A diversified city area like no other. There are good family’s impoverished among these surroundings and living within this poverty they truly struggle to survive. A place with narcotics, drinking, street walkers and just about all the known criminals and their gangs. Yet the elder’s ones who live there are not bothered. They have there own code when it comes to the elderly, hands off. This place which some call disgusting has a very unique cast of characters, all and I do mean all respect the elderly man or woman who are in need. Whatever the reason they put their differences aside and aid them. This sets me to wonder? Are they truly as bad as people think? Or are they caught up in circumstances and do what they have to do to survive.

     Grant you some are very bad people, but I’m not writing this to be a judge. That is for God to do. No. What I’m trying to say is this; God’s children one an all are known to Him, He wills to save whomever He chooses. As an adoptive native son who turned to God He saved me. I have been away from the tenderloin for over six years now. Things I suppose have changed. Have they? I truly don’t know. But I do know the people and the pulse of San Francisco. This area hasn’t changed a bit. San Francisco should be ashamed and proud; they have programs in place that helps anyone looking for a change. They are charitable, kind, and they love their city. They help the homeless; St. Anthony’s has been feeding the poor for as long as I can remember. This church is legendary in the tenderloin. What you might ask is what is he trying to say? Well it’s this. A city full of compassion but falling short of morals. They help but let abomination corrupt there compassionate hearts. My brethren prove all things, don’t listen to me, you are on the right path, hopefully the Holy Spirit will come to you. It is good to love and aid the elderly the poor and infirm that is commendable. Yet you are lukewarm the Lord warned, “The Word” Jesus, said not to be lukewarm in your faith. Take these deeds and give glory to the Father repent before God the Father. Don’t let the evil God of this world the devil ruin you spiritually. Our Holy Bible, “The Word” tells is to have love and you are part way there. You love your elderly; however bad you are you still have the love for another. So why stop there. God will show you the way, ask and the door will open, ask and you shall receive, and most of all be contrite and humble asking God to forgive your past sins, and believe you will enter His kingdom... The Lord has always been there for you so it’s never too late to repent. My prayer is that all San Franciscans return to being a beacon of hope for others. A place that remains compassionate a place that has light, a place where not all is lost yet, Someone will understand what I’m saying this I know, and it will take his heart to the Father, I promise if that someone does that sincerely, he will be saved from the great tribulation.