Throughout our 6-week series, "Rethink Miracles", we will be introducing you to some of the men and women who are served by Grace Place. For many of them, it was their first opportunity to have a portrait made. As you hear the stories they share, look for the face of God, look for the face of Grace, and look for ways you can be part of a miracle.
Karen Burks
I used to live with my sister but we had a fight. We could get along but I wouldn’t forgive her when we fought. I don’t like the streets. The men want to take you for their own and use you. Most times they just want to use you. I like coming to Grace Place ‘cause the people here are nice.
I hate having no place to stay. I wish God would have me back. I wish my sister would have me back. I hate the abuse and bad talking out there. I can’t go back to my sister because I said bad things about her. Maybe I might go back to my sister any way if you think that would help me.
I prayed last night. I don’t think I’m coming back to Grace Place 'cause of the men. I’m going to hide from them. God will tell me what to do. I just hate where I am.
Grace Place adds: Karen is the sweetest, most soft-spoken lady you will ever encounter. She was struck by a car at an early age which left her with a paralyzed and atrophied arm. This disability has kept her from working and left her vulnerable when on the streets. Her interview was conducted by Lindsay Bayham, one of our Duke Interns who urged Karen to speak with her sister and suggested that perhaps her sister would meet her halfway. After this interview we did not see Karen for several weeks. One morning she stopped in to thank us for helping her in “this bad time”. She and her sister talked and she is now back living with her sister. Karen said that she is learning to be more tolerant now that God is back in her life.