Since moving to an area in Florida with one of the highest homeless rates in the nation, I began a quest for ideas to solve the awkward and tragic situation that was happening at many stop lights. There, a homeless person would stand, holding a sign, begging for help. Because I was aware that even $1 could purchase a hit of Spice, an extremely damaging drug, I was uncomfortable giving money. But if not that, then what? Produce rots quickly in a hot vehicle in Florida. Bus tickets can be gotten free by the homeless, so paying $7 each didn't make sense. Giving away socks works in the winter. Still... So, imagine my gratitude and relief when I got the idea to share a protein bar with my new homeless friends. I've since added individual peanut butter packets (because so many are even without teeth). Why even worry about it?
The Bible speaks of gifting a cup of water to someone, for Jesus' sake. People who are at the level of poverty where they are willing to stand one a street corner and beg for help truly need help. Very few of them are "just there for the money." They are desperate. While we can't meet their every need, we can all do our part. Prayerfully consider what God is calling YOU to do and then begin doing it with the joy of the Lord.
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