Boy

Today I went to lunch with a good friend.  We were enjoying catching up when some other people came in.  We stopped our conversation because the man was talking loudly and seemed to be angry at the woman and boy, about 5th grade.  A person couldn't help but hear them.  He was yelling at them because they asked him something about ordering.  Then, a minute later the boy asked him where he wanted to sit.  Again, the man yelled at and belittled him for asking.  The boy sat down and the man chose another table so he had to move.  Unfortunately, they sat next to us.  Throughout their time there, he never stopped berating the boy for insignificant things.  Finally, he got up and left.  The woman, who had been pretty quiet, now took her turn.  Obviously she was angry at him for angering the man.  All this time, the boy did absolutely nothing wrong; he barely spoke.  The man signaled through the window and they got up and went outside.  Then, everyone in the restaurant looked around.  A worker asked if things were alright.  He had overheard, too.  They were standing in the parking lot and finally walked down the street.  The woman gave the boy a shove as they were about to walk away.  I couldn't sit there and not do anything.  I called the tip line.  I explained the situation and my concern for the boy.  As we left, I saw them coming back down the street and soon saw an officer pull up by them.  He wasn't with them long before he pulled away.  That frustrated me since I wanted to know the boy was safe.  As I rode around the neighborhood, I soon saw the man ahead walking alone.  Minutes later, I saw the woman and boy walking.  At least I knew they were away from the aggressive man.
I didn't want to confront anyone, fearing that would make it worse.  I decided to do the only other thing I knew to do. I rode my bike towards the home where women coming out of prison would soon be living.  I was hoping to find my friend and share with her, ask her to pray.  When I got there, I found the door open and several people standing in the entrance, a teen helping with projects for the home, another youth worker, and the woman who founded the ministry, along with her intern.  I shared the story with them and then we gathered to pray.  Even though I can't get the story out of my head, it was comforting to know others would now be aware and praying for the situation.  My friend went home and shared it with her daughters so they could pray, too.
So, where was God today?  I know He's always with us.  I know He's with us in times of trouble, and this boy is in trouble so God was there.  He may not even know God.  So, I'm asking you to all pray for this boy and somehow, I know God will find a way to help this boy.
Blessings,
Jennifer