I decided to do some shopping at Macy's in Downtown Honolulu the Friday morning before Thanksgiving a few years ago.

My caregiver's husband dropped me off at the store's back entrance. Having taken my Parkinson's medication earlier that day, my legs weren't quite working properly.

After inching my way toward the nearby stone bench at the bus stop, I sat and rested for about 15 minutes.

My debilitating condition had been diagnosed nearly 18 years earlier.

As I lifted myself up from the bench, I thought, "Better start trying to walk again," as I slowly pushed my walker closer to the door. At times like this I am overcome with an almost paralyzing feeling ... a feeling of insecurity and panic. I find myself reaching out to God, softly praying, "Please help me, Lord. I'm afraid and I need you."

There were a few people behind me as I continued my strained, struggling steps.

A gentleman went ahead of me to hold open the door. I thanked him for his help and finally made it inside the store. Just as I looked up, I saw a smiling sales person at the top of the steps. I found myself apologizing for taking so much time.

"That's OK. Just take your time," she said.

Her voice was warm and reassuring. She was concerned for my safety and wanted me to be careful.

She even offered me her arm to help me.

Just as I started to ask her name, my eyes focused on the tiny name badge she wore.

HOPE — the four-lettered name stared at me.

I immediately said, "My name is Faith."

"I'm Hope," she responded.

We both laughed as I blurted out, "Faith, Hope ... now all we need is Charity."

I was able to complete my shopping after about two hours and called for my return ride home.

A few days later, while I lay in my bed, reflecting on that incident, the thought came to me: God was there with me all the time.

He answered my prayer for help.

So Charity was there after all ... for God is Love.

I broke into a big smile. Thank you, Lord.

Faith T. Irving of Honolulu wrote this last year. She's a member of the Olivet Baptist Church.