The Spirit blows where it will. Sometimes institutions help. Edward Ward’s story is a special one. “A young black man lies on the icy floor of a family friend’s first floor apartment. There is no heat, and temperatures in the house are below freezing. He is enrolled as an undergraduate student at DePaul. He is also homeless.”

So begins a startling testimony in the DePaulia online journal to the work of the Spirit and an institution that does not frustrate the Spirit.

Author Donyae Lewis continues the story: “This is a man of faith,” said Pastor Keith Baltimore, a minister in the Office of Religious Diversity. “He has that rare ability in leadership to show humility to make the adjustments, and still stay focused on a purpose. I think that’s important.”

Ward has emerged filled with the Spirit’s strength.

DePaul student Edward Ward speaks at an on-campus vigil. Ward’s eventual goal is to run for office. (Josh Leff / ©The DePaulia)

I didn’t imagine myself being here. I didn’t even imagine myself finishing college. You have to know you are more than what people say you are. You have something unique. You are a black man. That is not your downfall. That is your advantage.

Read this amazing story here.

#iamVincent. So is Edward.