The DFW area has many homeless people who hang out at stoplights and intersections with homemade signs from torn cardboard boxes that beg for money. I feel a great compassion for these folks but I don't feel good about giving them money which might be used to further an addiction that got them there in the first place. I also don't feel good about driving past them, the thought "There but for the grace of God go I" at least sparks a tingle of guilt if I don't help.
So what I did was go to Jack in the Box and buy 20 gift cards valued at six bucks each, enough for a hamburger and a drink. It is my way of helping someone, giving them a warm meal. If I were in their place, it is a small gift that I could see I would need, a gift that communicates that some stranger cares...A gift that says Jesus cares about them.
Just this past week, I have handed out three of them. And each time, I feel more blessed than the person I gave it to. Try it....It is helping the helpless and feeding the hungry, a very scriptural thing to do.
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Dusty,
ReplyDeleteEven those who abuse drugs, alcohol and their own bodies - need food. Thank you for meeting a need and for doing what all of us should be doing.
Matthew 25:35-36 (NIV)
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.
Good idea. I walk a lot and try to avoid homeless people cause they seem to center me out. I have given food to some of them and I remember giving this very old lady my change who was heading to the bottle depot with a bunch of bottles. I have even offered my home so that one lady I knew could take a shower and have a good meal etc. I think I will do the same thing. I really would like to help them but, like you; I don't want to support additions.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. I just hope people are moved more by compassion for them than fear and judgement. It really appreciated by those who need it.
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