And maybe also something more....
I had a man recently get released from prison. He needed winter clothes for job hunting. Sadly, it was easier said than done... and took longer to find clothes for him than I felt it should. But finally, (in the most humorous of ways) I think we've finally accomplished the task, and I am to pick the clothes up for him tomorrow and deliver right after. I told the girl that did this, "Thanks-for-giving in this Thanks-Giving Season."
On top of that... I recently read an amazing story about a guy that got robbed (A Victim Treats His Mugger Right) on an empty platform after an hour-long subway commute to the Bronx one night. A teenager pulled a knife out on him wanting his money. The 31-year-old social worker give him his wallet. And then as the teen began to walk away, the guy asked him, "Hey, wait a minute. You forgot something. If you're going to be robbing people for the rest of the night, you might as well take my coat to keep you warm." The kid looked at him like 'what in the world!' And the man replied, "if you're willing to risk your freedom for a few dollars, then I guess you must really need the money. I mean, all I wanted to do was get dinner and if you really want to join me... hey, you're more than welcome." And believe it or not, the kid went to dinner with him!
After my oldest daughter listened to the man's story above, her response to me was, "Oh, wow! Now I want to get robbed." Hilarious! I understood her statement. I felt the same feeling she was feeling. Oh, that no matter the circumstances or situations around us (or done to us) that we would make it a Jesus-encounter and testimony of Him when done.
I loved that the guy didn't just offer his coat too, but he asked the boy if he wanted to go eat with him also. It totally puts clothes on the verses found in Matthew 5, "You have heard it said: An eye for an eye, or a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go a mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."
I want to do something more this Christmas and Thanksgiving... other than just blessing ourselves with more when we've got so much already!
I want to help someone! I want to notice the one I pass in need! I want to have compassion for him! I want to DO something! I don't want to just talk it! I want to walk it. I want to be the hands and the feet of Jesus! I have been blessed so greatly, I want to be a blessing!
And while I'm at it... why don't you set aside some time on your calendar to "help" someone that needs it this season.
This is a great story and one many of us need to take to heart if we truly desire to be Jesus' hands and feet - not only in this season, but every day.
ReplyDeleteOccasionally I have stepped out and done something like this but unfortunately I am often held back by fear: 'Supposing they attack me?' 'Supposing I get my purse out and they run off with it?'
Silly really, when we know the Lord is watching our backs and as you say, we have so much and others so little.
Ditto, Karen. I understand and have often felt your feeling. But, too, I think of the verse that says, "Love casts out fear"!! For if we LOVE, really LOVE them, then our love will override our fear and we will stick our necks out anyway. I seriously want to live like that! Love... regardless! Love that thinks of them and their life and doesn't worry about my own.
ReplyDelete