One reason why busking (playing music in the street) should be encouraged.
Thursday night was quite significant. It's been a wet week in London. I went to a launderette in Shepherd’s Bush to get my laundry dry and because I was there, I took the Central Line into London and busked at Liverpool Street - not Embankment. I’ve not been there for months. It was quite late - after 10.00 when I got there - but my workshop is on Sunday and I’m still a bit short of funds. I didn’t get a grant this year so each month is an exercise in faith and surrender and I always see some miracles. It always works out! I didn’t earn much but had two particularly significant encounters / conversations. A young man - probably in his 20s - stopped and thanked me for the music. He said he was sorry he had no money. I asked if he would be passing by on Friday as I could come to Liverpool Street again. He said he would not be alive next day. I asked what was wrong and in his silence and the expression in his eyes I realised that he was intending to end his life. I gave him a big hug and just held him tightly and asked him to remember that life is precious and he is precious. I said that life is full of ups and downs - but the future will be bright. He cried and cried - just sobbing in my arms. I felt the healing power / love of God flowing through us. When he eventually went on his way I gave him one of my fliers and asked him to keep in touch. I felt that it was not a coincidence that I was playing there that night. Later a man I know - but haven’t seen for months because I don’t often go to Liverpool Street to busk, came over with such delight. He’s from Romania and came here to UK when his wife left him and took their children. He really loves me and my music. He calls me Mum! He’s homeless and often depressed but he loves me. He said he was in the station keeping out of the rain when suddenly he heard my music. He couldn’t believe it because it’s been so long. We had a hug too. He said he was tired of struggling and no longer wanted to live. He just wanted to die. He shouted ‘I want to die!’