Friday Reflections: Faith, Transit, and Grace

Every Friday morning, I join a men's Bible study—a space where I can connect with others walking a similar path of faith. It’s more than just a study; it’s a moment of reflection, connection, and hope.

Depending on time and weather, I’ll either walk or take the bus to get there. The study runs from 7:00 to 8:30 a.m., and if I’m up early and the skies are clear, the 40-minute walk is a peaceful start to the day. But this past Friday, April 4th, time was tight and the weather wasn’t quite ideal, so I hopped on the 7 bus after my original route was cancelled.

That detour led me over the Mackenzie-King Bridge and through Dundonald Park. The park, while green and central, paints a stark picture of Ottawa’s urban challenges. It’s a space where the city’s most vulnerable often gather—those struggling with homelessness, addiction, and mental health. I understand this deeply, as someone who has lived it.

But compassion and accountability must coexist. Being homeless doesn’t excuse unsafe behavior, and the rise in open drug use makes many residents uneasy. It wasn’t like this 20 years ago. Back then, public drug use simply wasn’t tolerated. Now, it’s become commonplace—and that shift has consequences.

Despite the morning’s detours, Bible study was a blessing. I shared a praise report: I found a ministry that’s offering job support, help with housing, and even covering the cost to renew my driver’s license. That kind of grace is hard to put into words. God is good.

I’ll try to check in more often. Life is picking up pace—but in the best way.