One week without a roof over your head, One week with the same pair of clothes, with No shoes, No shower, One week digging through the trash to find your next “meal.” How would you feel? What would you do? If hundreds and hundreds of people rushed by you every day with a judgmental glance or walked passed you desperately trying not to make “awkward” eye contact… I was Sitting in a coffee shop in downtown San Diego waiting to catch my train with a friend, both of us were drinking our coffee trying to finish up some last minute work before we went on thanksgiving break. We looked out the window and noticed a homeless man digging through the trash, we both glanced at each other and automatically knowing what the other was thinking we pulled some snacks out of our bags that we had and I ran outside to find the man. When I walked up to him he refused eye contact and rushed away refusing the food. As I walked back to the coffee shop with confusion and a heavy heart another man was digging through the same trash can but by the time I got back he too was gone. I went back with my friend and we sat in silence for a few minutes. Our hearts were hurting for these men. What kind of rejection had they gone through, that they were willing to dig among the trash, but refuse food from me? I have to shamefully admit that I have had thoughts of judgment on homeless people just like these two men, I have walked passed as quickly as I could so I didn’t have to make eye contact. It pains me to think that I would ever do something like that, and my heart is grieved for the men, women and families that have to struggle every day to find food, water and shelter from the cold. I live in Tijuana Mexico, where 100-300 homeless come in every day. I’m from San Diego, California where there is an estimated 8,879 homeless that live just in the downtown area. 41%... Yes 41% of the homeless population is comprised of families. And I can’t help but think, what if this was me? What if this was my family? This past year I can truly see how God has transformed my mind and softened my heart toward all of his people. I want my life to be one lived in obedience and service to him. I want to follow the command that he has placed on my life. These men, women and children are my brothers and sisters. We live in a society where success is everything, But I want my definition of success to be serving others. I never want to judge by appearance, but always remember that under the poorest of coats could be the richest of hearts… A Jesus in disguise. And even if I can’t save the life of every person, I know I can meet the need of so many that I come in contact with. Even if it’s one soul, Isn’t that more than worth it? I challenge YOU, look around and see how you can make a difference in someone’s life today. “Even if you can’t feed hundreds of people, just feed one.” Leviticus 25:35-36 "If one of your brothers falls into poverty and cannot support himself, Support him as you would a foreigner or a temporary resident and allow him to live with you. Do not charge interest or make a profit at his expense. Instead, Show your fear of God by letting him live with you as family” |
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