You see them roaming the streets, some pushing shopping carts and some in wheelchairs, even the motorized variety. Some are digging through garbage bins. Some are lying on park benches or under overpasses bundled in dirty, unkempt bedding. Some stand on street corners while others sit at the end of major interstate off-ramps. Some walk up in parking lots, fast food drive-thrus or gas stations and ask if you can spare a dime or buy a burger. These are the male and female members of society, young and old alike, who have no place to call their own; God’s unforgotten misfits commonly known as homeless.
Never found it comfortable to render aid especially when requested. My cynical side felt they should spend their time looking for a job instead of sponging off those good-natured souls who would readily oblige. There was no doubt the money would be used for sustenance—in 100 proof liquid form to drink or in a form to inject, snort, or smoke. Why help them feed their habit. Not exactly the best Christian attitude to have but it’s a hard thing to overcome and even the times I helped out those few, that wonderful feeling a person should receive didn’t happen.
I admire those who choose to become involved in homeless ministries, working in shelters, teaching the Word, and volunteering in soup kitchens, especially during holiday times. Difficult breed to be around—filthy appearance, a possible drug addict, alcoholic, schizophrenic, or mentally unbalanced with no ability to pay for necessary medications.
Long Beach started a sack lunch ministry. The bags are filled with nonperishable items such as packaged cookies, crackers, and juices for members to take and have available when approached by someone in need. It relieves the anxiety of giving money. Have a problem with the can of Vienna sausages also inside the sacks because the lid is a viable weapon; however, Steve opined that anything could be grabbed and used, a broken plastic fork for example. Can’t argue with that logic. The church also invested in Bibles to hand out.
I took a sack lunch and Bible and left it in the car for almost two weeks. Thursday afternoon a man with a cardboard sign reading, “Need Help” was sitting on the I-405 off-ramp at the Long Beach Boulevard exit. I rolled down the window and handed him the lunch and Bible. Surprisingly, quite a young, good looking man. He seemed somewhat shocked, said “Thank you” and wished me a good day. I echoed the sentiment; however, words were unnecessary as the eyes and exchanged smiles said it all. What a great feeling as I drove away!
If I were to stop and really analyze these types of situations, this man could easily have been Jonathan many times over if my son didn’t have family members who were willing to assist with his necessities of life. Should stop being so hard nosed and reconsider each situation that crosses my path.
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2 comments:
I'm glad to hear that ministry is being revived. I looked for people to give lunches to the last time we did that and they were always on the other side of the street. But the people I finally was able to help were very grateful. And you're right ... most of us are just a few paychecks away from being right there with 'em.
Well done. I know it is hard sometimes to feel compassion for those who are outcast from society, possibly because their situation was brought on by their own decisions or actions. And then I think of how badly my life might have gone if it weren't for the people who loved me and cared for me, and my heart softens a little. I think the bags and the Bible are the best of both worlds when it comes to dealing wiith this problem, at least on a superficial level. There is no money exchanged to buy substances and they have their immediate need to eat satisfied, and probably more importantly, they have food for their spirits in the Word. Keep up the good work.
Steve
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