Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Helping the Homeless

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.

3 comments:

  1. Dusty,
    Even 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.

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  2. 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.

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  3. Thanks 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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