Insider Info

Entertaining Angels : Years ago, our daughter went on a mission trip to help feed homeless folks in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco. It was a very rough area and she and her friends were warned not to take photographs of any kind because even a harmless selfie might inadvertantly capture a drug deal (or worse) in the background and cause trouble. The Tenderloin was known for its high crime rate and even higher homeless population.

Fun fact... a "Tenderloin District" usually refers to an area where crime and corruption are so rampant that the cops who work there can afford better cuts of steak (a tenderloin), but I digress...

Her group didn't want to simply set up a table and hand out food. They wanted to let people living on the street know they are seen and heard - that they matter. They're not invisible, as many homeless feel.

Every day, each member of the group made two sack lunches and found someone hungry (and willing to make eye contact), then sat down with them to share a meal and talk. More than a simple meal was shared. Life stories were told and connections were made.

More than one of her "dining partners" shared with our daughter how much it meant for them to be acknowledged and valued - to be "seen and heard." To share a conversation was more important to them than the actual food.

After hearing stories of her trip, I wrote "Entertaining Angels" almost immediately and I've since tried to be more concious about sharing time and attention with "the ranks of the unknown."

One other tiny note about the lyrics: Some people claim to "share the love of God" but have their own motives. If you're going to do something in God's name, I believe you should do it for His reasons and not your own, which is why I included "with His intention" as part of the lyric. ("When we share the love of God with His intention.") There you go, I think that part is important. :o)

The Recording: I originally had bass, drums and more harmonies on this one, but I stripped them out (other than some harmony at the end) and just went with "Angel" (my Larrivee C-10E acoustic guitar.) It seemed like Angel was all this song needed. Intimate, yet full.

It was a "one take" guitar part, which I did late one night before going to bed. When I awoke in the morn and heard it, I thought, 'Hmmmm... t'aint perfect but... it'll do! I sorta like it!" Thanks, Angel! Angel and my vocals were both recorded with the same mic, an Aston Origin. I like that mic.

Entertaining Angels

Words & Music by Ron Hall - All Rights Reserved Worldwide

In the park, on that bench beneath the elm tree
A man with one hand on a shopping cart lies sleeping
His hair's not seen a brush or comb
Since that park bench became his home
How long has he been out there all alone?
When did he join the ranks of the unknown?

A mile away a lady holds a sign that's fading
It says something 'bout some work and food and kids
Her mind is clear and then it's gone
In conversations with no one
Will those voices in her head leave her alone?
When did she join the ranks of the unknown?

Would it be so hard for us to pay attention?
Would it be so hard for us to show we care?
When we share the Love of God with His intention
We might be entertaining angels unaware

A paper bag, a slice of bread, some peanut butter
A bag of chips and a bottle of cold water
Put one together for yourself and another for your brother
Get to know the unknown and prepare
To start entertaining angels unaware

You might be entertaining angels unaware
We might be entertaining angels unaware