THE SIGN GUY

A year ago, I was extremely depressed. I was without a job and feeling totally worthless. It seemed I had lost everything that I loved. I was thinking seriously about suicide.

But as I was driving home one day, I had this strong feeling inside, telling me to stand at a certain intersection with a sign that read “You Are Loved”. I thought, “Really? You want me to do what?” But I felt like this was God talking to me, so I decided to be obedient.

I made a sign and stood on that corner. Every day for a week. After that week, God changed my heart and I didn’t long for death. By holding this sign, I received healing. And I was amazed at the response to the sign. People would honk with approval; they’d yell encouragement to me.

One day, a lady got out of her car and said her son had committed suicide. She had prayed that if God didn’t send her some type of message that He cared for her, she too was going to end her life. And then she saw me with this sign.

I feel I’m bringing some encouragement to people that may be going through a rough time. There are a lot of people filled with anxiety and depression. Seeing an encouraging sign may give them the little bit of hope they need.

So now, I’m out at different intersections about three times a week for several hours. I call it the #YouAreLoved movement. Someone heard what I was doing, and started holding up signs in another part of the country. It’s my prayer this spreads all over the United States. People should not let their past hold them back but instead, use it as a catalyst to push them forward.

Look, there are things in my past that I’m not proud of. So I talk about my hardships and shortcomings because that may encourage others. No one is perfect; we all struggle. We need to help and love others despite their flaws, just like God loves us. I simply want to spread His love in my small way.