As I pulled into the lot to order some chicken for a friend’s family whose spouse is dying, I saw him standing by the light on the opposite side of the drive in entrance way. He had a cardboard handwritten sign that said:
“HOMELESS not HELPLESS.”
It was atypical.
It was unusual.
It made my heart sing.
Here he was just trying to survive and those words were life bringing and I pray life changing for all who read them including you.
Some may get offended that he is there asking for help, but the mere fact he is asking should pull on our heart strings to bleed compassion.
I got in the socially distancing only option of the day, aka the drive through and ordered extra chicken so I could park the car to bring some to him.
The intersection was a busy one and would be difficult to hand off some food to him driving out. Thus the reason I parked. Plus, I wanted more than a quick drive by hand off. He needed connection and I needed it too. Don’t we all during these trying times.
It is a time in life where many are afraid of others because of what germs they may be carrying. Still…
No excuse not to be kind.
No excuse to not reach out to our fellow man.
No excuse to not connect.
I asked his name as each nameless face has one. Please don’t forget that.
His name is Tom.
Behind every sign there is a name.
A story.
A baby born that a mother loved.
A child made perfectly by God above.
No one would will hard times on another, but we live in a sin-sick, fallen world and don’t know the full story behind the sign.
I wanted to pray with him. I wanted to talk more and hear his story. I wanted him to truly feel God’s love and understand His promises like this one👇🏼
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1.9
I wanted to truly live out the gospel when Jesus said:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13.34
Because of the coronavirus, our interaction was short. With gloved hands, he took the food and said: “God bless you.”
And He does. I know this. Do you?
For anytime we do something to the least of these (Matthew 25.40), we walk away more blessed.
That is the whole plan of serving. We give yet we get so much more. So serve your fellow man with gusto and without seeking anything in return except the happiness that is brought on by giving.
How can you make the world a better place today? Now go do it and..
be.the.light
So many like Tom deserve our time, attention, care, and kindness, but most importantly our prayers.
His name is Tom. Won’t you please pray for him by name today?
©2020 be.the.church aclearberry
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