The other day I made a couple of new friends, Mandy and Cameron. We were introduced through a simple cardboard sign Cameron was holding with the word “Hungry” written on it. I was driving by when I saw Cameron’s advertisement. As I was turning a corner, I decided I would go back.
You see I had been working on a song called Obvious in which the idea of the song is to make our love for God obvious to others. The song is based on an encounter I had with a homeless person several years ago, so I recognized the need and I also realized I had no other choice but to stop and help if I could.
I know most of us get scared of doing something like this because we don’t know what will happen. So, many times, if we dare do anything at all, we throw a few dollars their way and keep on going, thinking we did a good thing. Let me reassure you that doing something versus nothing is always a good thing! But the question I want to ask is this: Is it the best thing?
The Hallmark Company has promoted their slogan of “when you care enough to send the very best” but I actually think they borrowed the idea from God and changed the phrase slightly because I think God would say: “when you care enough, give your very best.” I believe we must do more; especially given the day and age we live in. However, I also understand we must be smart about what, how and where we do what we do. Therefore, I was personally glad this event took place during daylight on a busy street corner.
I parked the car and asked if I could buy them something to eat, so we all walked over to the restaurant nearby and ordered. For the next hour or so, I learned about Mandy and Cameron’s challenging young lives, which involved surviving a house fire, losing all their worldly possessions, past physical abuse, threats by knife point, watching friends of theirs lose their minds because of paint huffing, losing custody of a small child and other devastations. These highlights would have crippled most of us emotionally, physically, or even spiritually, but not this young couple, who were only about a month away from expecting a child. They had smiles on their faces and, believe it or not, they were the first to bring up the topic of God when Cameron asked me if I believed in God.
These were two of God’s amazing creations, who readily recognized that it was God who had been and was continuing to protect them. They also acknowledged that He must be doing so because He had a purpose for them to fulfill. I wish we all could grasp that understanding.
When our meal was over, I felt I was the one blessed. After paying, I pulled out what remained of any money I had and offered it to them with the caveat of course of not using it for alcohol or drugs, which they assured me they wouldn’t but once out of my hand into theirs would be completely their choice. And I think that’s another reason many of us don’t do anything because we’re afraid those in need will misuse the resources we give them. I’m just glad God doesn’t hold back from us because of that thought (just look at how we have misused His resources).
As I drove off, I began to think about our conversation and all they had been through, and I thought to myself I am glad that although I’ve had my share of difficulties and hardships that it wasn’t like those situations they shared. Then of course I began to think about my family and friends. I began to think about all the blessings God has allowed in my life, like good health, shelter, a current job, etc., and I was overwhelmed with gratitude. I would encourage you today to reflect on all the blessings God has given you as well and to thank Him for watching over you. Perhaps you might go out and make a couple new friends too!
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