When we glance to the curb at the end of an exit ramp and see a homeless person standing with his sign, it is sometimes hard to see past the layer of dirt on his clothes, the exhausted expression on his face, and the bags of garbage and meager supplies by his side. It is easy to be distracted by the sign begging for help, money, anything. Instead of seeing and loving the heart inside, we tend to dread the disturbance and guilt we feel when we see him.
I've been serving at the Rescue Mission fairly regularly the last few months, and every time I go I'm reminded once again that homeless people are more than just "the man on the curb with a sign". They are human beings just like me with emotions, feelings, fears, and dreams. Laughter, love, and pain. Each one has a past. Each one has a story. Each one has a soul.
The country band, Emerson Drive, wrote a song entitled "Moments", which reminds me again of who homeless people really are. They are just like me. Check out this music video of their song.
Ever wondered what reaction you'll get from the panhandlers receiving your bags?
"I was just on my way home from lunch with my husband and gave out one of your bags for the first time. The man came up to the window I handed him the bag and said it was full of snacks. As he walked back to his spot he opened the bag, took out a snack and started munching on it. Then he turned to me and gave me two thumbs up! It's such a wonderful ministry you two have. Thanks!"
Nowhere to live, nowhere to fall He used to have money, but he’s wasted it all. His face is a photograph burned in my mind, But I pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time
He sleeps under stars, that’s all he can afford His blanket's an old coat he’s had since the war He stands on the corner of Carter and Vine But I pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time
He may be a drifter, he’s grown old and gray But what if he’s Jesus and I walk away? I say I’m the body and drink of the wine But I pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time
She’s twenty-nine but she feels forty-eight She can’t raise three kids on minimum wage She’s cryin’ in back of the welfare line But I pretend not to see her for the twenty-first time
She may be a stranger tryin’ to get through the day But what if it’s Jesus and i walk away? I say I’m the body and drink of the wine But I pretend not to see her for the twenty-first time
This is a call for a change in my heart I realize that I’ve not been doin’ my part When I needed a Savior, I found it in Him He gave to me, now I’ll give back to them
Drifter or stranger, father or son I’ll look for Jesus in every one ’cause I am the body and drink of the wine and I’m thankful there’s more than the twenty-first time
A couple weeks ago, on a sunny Tuesday morning, Lauren and I along with our mom and sisters drove down to Portland to share our story and encourage the women of a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group. It might have been just me, but I was nervous. Mainly because I felt inadequate to speak to mothers, when I'm only a teenager. As we pulled up to the church, I saw several moms herding their children through the door into the nursery. My throat locked. We're supposed to tell them to do hard things? They're already doing it.
Lauren and I carried in 50 H2O bags for later distribution to the women. And then we went into another room to pray together. As we prayed, I felt a sense of God spilling His Spirit into our hearts, minds, and mouths. We still felt unqualified, but our nerves subsided, knowing He was qualified.
A few women opened the meeting up with announcements, and then Lauren and I walked to the stage. God had cleared my mind so that I could think clearly. He opened my heart, so my passion could spill out to the women before me.
The running theme of our talk was based off of an unknown quote: "God calls the unqualified to do the unimaginable!" The message of the quote had stirred in our hearts when we first read it. And as we shared it with the mothers before us, tears filled my eyes. I know God uses teenagers, because He used us. I also know that He uses mothers, businessmen, doctors, hair stylists, waiters, plumbers, and the list goes on. In the Bible God used shepherds, stutterers, peasants, drunkards, mothers, carpenters, and others who were afraid and weak. Our natural way of thinking is that these people were unqualified for the job; however, God found them qualified to do the unimaginable...not by their strength, but by His.
When we finished our talk, we returned to our seats amazed at God. In our weakness and incapability, He used us. Soon after, we saw the fruit from it. In minutes, all 50 bags had been taken, and several ladies shared with us their hope of getting their family involved in more ministry. God had spoken to the ladies His heart for the lost, and I pray that He stirs them to action.
Don't forget...
"God calls the unqualified to do the unimaginable!"
"I picked up 3 bags from you when you spoke last week at our MOPS group...I started praying, asking God to bring someone for me to share it with. Sunday afternoon, I went out my front door and there was a homeless man with his shopping cart sitting on my neighbor's sidewalk steps. I knew this was the man God wanted me to give my bag to, so I ran inside and grabbed it...As I approached him, I saw he was drinking a beer and talking to himself. When he first noticed me, he said, "I'm moving on...I'm moving on." I quickly handed him the bag and gave him my biggest smile. He said thank you and I said "God bless you." I felt totally stupid, but later I saw him eating something from the bag. Within a half hour he was gone. Now every time I pass those steps, I pray for him. I don't even know his name. I want to thank you for helping me step outside my comfort zone and give life to someone in need. Thank you!"
