Just a few steps away from homeless…Literally and figuratively. Literally as we walked through New York City, we were just a handshake away from countless people living on the streets. My heart ached each time I saw their eyes. The gravity of their situation pulled on our family’s heartstrings–especially our kids. This was heavier than what they had seen before. They wanted to help. What could we do?
We gave some food, coffee, kind words, and prayers. Honestly there were so many in dire need that it felt overwhelming. However our church teaches, “Do for one what you can’t do for all.” We can’t let the enormity paralyze us.
The homeless held cardboard signs that told of their struggles. It made me think about a very powerful demonstration I’ve been a part of for the last nine years. In a women’s conference very dear to my heart called Pure Joy) we write our trouble, heartache, struggle…on a piece of cardboard…very similarly to what we saw on the streets. Addictions, tragedies, financial ruin, disease…But then we flip that sign over and in bold black sharpie we write how Jesus has overcome! He brought victory through it all! I couldn’t help but dream of what it would be like if the homeless people I met in New York had a flipside on their cardboard.
The thing is: if God did it for me, He could do it for anyone.
This reminded me that I am figuratively only a few steps away from homeless. What if I didn’t know Jesus? What if I had never been able to flip my cardboard sign over, showing what Jesus had done in my life? Everything I have is because of Him!
When my husband and I talked to our boys about the homeless, it was with the perspective that we don’t know their story and how or why they are there. It’s not fitting to judge. We can show love, do what we can, and pray. They are valuable human beings, and we are just a few steps away.
Matthew 25:34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 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, 36 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.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’