Goodwill
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Today while driving to buy some art supplies, I experienced a touching scene that brought tears to my eyes and reminded me of how fortunate I am. A little background information will help. A month ago our church began distributing Blessing Bags which we were to keep in our cars and distribute to persons we may encounter on the street who are in need. The bags contained some protein bars, warm socks, toothbrush and toothpaste, warming pads, a dollar bill, and a few other supplies. Well, today while I was driving, I saw a young man who was pretty disheveled, very thin, and perhaps with mental health issues. I opened my window and handed him the bag. He started to cry and thanked me several times saying, Oh my God, I needed this so badly." He then dropped down on the island in middle of street and devoured the bars. The street light changed and I had to move on, but that scene will be embedded in my brain forever.
I know what people may think. I should not be giving these people money or things. They need to get jobs. They are only going to buy drugs or liquor. Well, all I can say is that a few months ago I decided that it isn't for me to judge. I don't know why or how these people end up like this, but no one in America should be hungry or living on the streets.
So I do this little act of kindness--not for any kind of credit, but because I truly believe in that quote, "The only time you should look down on someone is when you are reaching down to life them up."
Today while driving to buy some art supplies, I experienced a touching scene that brought tears to my eyes and reminded me of how fortunate I am. A little background information will help. A month ago our church began distributing Blessing Bags which we were to keep in our cars and distribute to persons we may encounter on the street who are in need. The bags contained some protein bars, warm socks, toothbrush and toothpaste, warming pads, a dollar bill, and a few other supplies. Well, today while I was driving, I saw a young man who was pretty disheveled, very thin, and perhaps with mental health issues. I opened my window and handed him the bag. He started to cry and thanked me several times saying, Oh my God, I needed this so badly." He then dropped down on the island in middle of street and devoured the bars. The street light changed and I had to move on, but that scene will be embedded in my brain forever.
I know what people may think. I should not be giving these people money or things. They need to get jobs. They are only going to buy drugs or liquor. Well, all I can say is that a few months ago I decided that it isn't for me to judge. I don't know why or how these people end up like this, but no one in America should be hungry or living on the streets.
So I do this little act of kindness--not for any kind of credit, but because I truly believe in that quote, "The only time you should look down on someone is when you are reaching down to life them up."
I didn't know you were doing this. What a great idea. It really must have made you feel like you made a difference for one person, at least. Who knows what the ripple effects will be.
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