Never Ever Dull
With every conversation, I always seem to end with "Never a dull moment"....our lives are rich, complex, and beautiful stories. Join me in laughing about everyday things and appreciating life-bumpy roads and all.
The evening before any athletic meet or game, we load up on the carbs. Last Friday night was no exception. My Third child and I headed to Olive Garden for a "date" and more importantly, pasta for him. Sitting at the traffic light, we observed a very young and very pregnant white woman approaching cars. She had a cardboard sign that said something like "pregnant, homeless, need money". This was a major intersection so we watched her for several minutes. A SUV pulled into a parking lot adjacent to the traffic lanes and signaled her to come and get multiple bags of groceries. The lady donating the goods hugged the pregnant woman. Compassion was pouring out from everyone. Windows were lowered and bills handed over to the begging woman. My son and I debated whether to contribute. The signal light changed from red to green. We moved on. But that memory stuck. And then, I started thinking: Why did people give so generously to her? Why not the wrinkled weathered man who stands beneath the tree at another major intersection? What's the selection process that goes through our brains as to who has greater needs? Do some skip giving because the homeless need to find a job? What if it was a Mexican or another race out there with a cardboard sign? Would folks tend to pay more or less attention? I know I'm stepping on toes. It's just that awkward moment, trying to understand what is "right". Give them money...but what if they buy beer or wine? Buy groceries...but what if they shove them aside? Just ignore because those people need to use their time in a more effective way? Or simply don't make eye contact and play with your phone instead? I've seen different approaches-Grace Chapel, back in TN, coordinated nights with other local churches. On Wednesdays, Grace had "Room in the Inn". Not only did the homeless men get treated to one of the best meals you could dream up, but the cots were prepared with fresh neat linens and a gift placed on each pillow (scarves, mittens, candies, etc.). I've seen people pack their cars with bottles of water to distribute to the homeless. I've known people to buy boxes of popsicles to hand out on a hot, humid summer day. I even knew a man who brought home a homeless man just so he could have a shower and a meal. Because I have a heart filled with compassion, I've wanted to learn. I read Under the Overpass in which two guys decide to be "homeless" and travel the country, penning their experiences and relationships. Same Kind of Different as Me also offered a glimpse as to the life of a homeless person and a very special relationship that developed from serving at a shelter. Great books with great insights. I don't know the answer to the homeless situation that is seen in our cities. But I'm glad that it nags at me. If it didn't bother me, I'd feel heartless and that caring for others no longer is important to me. I never want to be the driver in a car that totally dismisses the person holding that cardboard sign because I have more important things to consider. These people matter. I hope this has made you think twice before locking those doors and looking the opposite direction? What, or who, do you see behind those cardboard signs?
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AuthorFun-loving mom to 4 kids and 1 big puppy. Fifth grade teacher of amazing little people who have never ending things to share with me. Love to discuss Jesus, diy projects, and life. Trying to keep it simple: Love Jesus, love people. Archives
December 2021
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