MEET Zach

“This too shall pass.”

Zack and I met in Orem, Utah and within 60 seconds of shaking his hand, Zack was sharing his heartbreaking story.

So many details are not appropriate for social media, but once again his honesty was both brutal and beautiful.

He cried three different times as he spoke about addiction, regrets, and how exhausted he’s become.

It’s a humbling, sobering, special experience to comfort a crying stranger on a street corner.

I explained the movement, our new Leadership Circle of donors, and how it all started at Fairview Church in Virginia.

He was simply awestruck by the kindness of strangers — YOU.

Zack introduced me to his dog Ruger, who licked our faces and rolled in the grass without a care in the world. “How would that be?” Zack said, wistfully watching Ruger play nearby. 

As I often do, I asked what message he has not just for you on social media, but also for those who drove past us and avoided eye contact. 

Or worse, looked him in the eyes and dismissed his needs as imaginary or insignificant.

“I’m doing the best I can,” he said, tears springing up again. 

Then he very quietly added, “Tell everyone I believe this too shall pass.”

Today Zack is planning to visit a resource center and apply for long-term housing at a special shelter that prepares people for a better life.

Asking for help isn’t easy, admitting mistakes is even harder, but he can do this. HE WILL DO THIS.

And thanks to you, he’ll do it with a full stomach and more hope than he’s had in a long time.

“This too shall pass.”

Yes. Yes, it will.