What do you do when you see someone holding that sign?
My daddy, a preacher, always offered to buy them something to eat, sharing the gospel while they ate, if they accepted. I remember standing in a San Antonio square on vacation with my mom and six younger siblings one time while he carried this out. He also picked up hitchhikers when he was alone. To him the captive audience was more than worth the risk.
But what about me, a mom in a minivan?
Usually we have bottled water in the van to offer from the window. We've also gone through a drive-thru to come back with food. It never feels like enough. I always feel unprepared.
Now I know that it could be a racket. That they could be a criminal. But what if they aren't? What if they just have no where to go and no one who loves them? Either way, don't they just need Jesus?
I saw a woman with a sign today. I didn't see her until I was passing her. She was facing the other way. The kids didn't see her, they would have insisted that I help. I wanted to help. But I was supposed to be at choir rehearsal soon and didn't have much to offer. I wished I could really get out of the car and find out what her story was and really help her. Would that be safe? Are we always called to do what's safe?
This idea is at least a step in the right direction. Blessings bags pre-filled with food and toiletries. Kept in the car for such a time as this. And I'm going to be sure to include the gospel as well. Because even if I can't find out everything that they need, I can give them what they need most of all.
Matthew 5:42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.
3 comments:
This was always a conondrum to me also. I know what Dad did was the right thing; but my flesh always put me in fear of the person. A homeless man helped him put together the bunkbeds in the girls' room in exchange for lunch. That put him in the house even with Dad there I was on edge but thankful for his help. He has given away new jackets, food from the pantry, cars, and even put heating oil in oil tanks. Wow!
Love the idea of a "blessing bag!" Thanks, seester! We have to intentionally plan and prepare to be a blessing from God - not just hope that something will hit us on the head as a sign from God that we should help.
What a great idea! Thanks for sharing, Alicia. Been grappling with the same thing. (Just now catching up with my blog reading - glad I did!) - LA
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