LOCAL FEATURE CREDIT: GILES CLASEN COMMITED TO SERVING BY GILES CLASEN PERSONAL GROWTH IS A COMPLICATED ENDEAVOR. It requires self-awareness and effort. Not everyone is willing to take those steps, but Ray isn’t one of those people. He isn’t afraid of what he may find as he digs deeper into his psyche because he has been on a quest for discovery for the past several years. Mostly, this self-examination process was forced upon him by circumstances, some of it was through personal pursuit – especially after realizing how his choices impacted those he cared about. Ray has lived on and off the streets throughout his life. Occasionally, he has found an escape from homelessness. These respites have involved good times, like his marriage. It has also involved his incarceration for drug and theft charges. “I know I’m a bum,” Ray said. “I look at myself, and I hate myself. I hate who I am and where I’m at. When I take a shower, I take it really quick. I get dressed fast. I can’t look in the mirror. I can’t do this anymore. I say to God, ‘Take me, I’m done.’ I don’t think about it; it just comes out.” After explaining this, Ray takes a beat and reminds himself that his belief in God means he can’t give in to his emotions, and he can’t give up. “There are times I want to give up,” Ray said, but when he gets to that point, he remembers that his faith in God gives him something to keep him going. Ray also believes he must persevere to help others. “That is why now I live for other people,” Ray said. Ray’s service to others comes in many forms. He has developed an incredible capacity for empathy and is considered a counselor for others living in tents and shelters. He will talk nonstop once you get him started. But his real gift is to listen and care for others. That gift has earned him the moniker “The Counselor,” among many on the street. “I’m a strong person. I want to keep going. I want to give to people – to my friends, and my family, to others who have less than me. I want to help them,” Ray said. “The people on the street, they love me because I help them,” Ray said. “I’m honest, and I’m genuine. People ask me ‘Where did you come from?’ I say, ‘I’m here for the work of the Lord.’” Ray’s commitment to faith and service is a big change from who he once was. He came from an abusive home. 6 DENVER VOICE August 2023
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