Happy Monday, friends! I’m thankful you’re here today on what is most likely a short work week if you live in the U.S. I’m looking forward to seeing family and friends and taking a little time to sit a spell and enjoy my surroundings this Thanksgiving.
As I spent the weekend running here and there in an attempt to check off all the boxes on my to-do list, I knew I needed to pause for a while if I hoped to complete the list. As I neared the end of my list, I stopped at Chipotle to grab a late lunch. There was a man near the door with his back against the wall. He looked disheveled, tired, and lost. There was something else in his body language that I couldn’t quite discern, but it was almost palpable and felt like judgment. As I advanced toward the door and shortened the distance between us, I saw him look at me and quickly avert his glance. What was that about? In an instant, I heard myself say hello. Where’d that come from? Who said that? It was definitely me. Something inside me was determined to prove him wrong. The Spirit prompted me to offer kindness in the form of a word. He managed to ask for spare change, and I said I’d see him on the way out.
I usually offer to buy food instead of giving money, but this time was different. My thoughts and actions had been hacked, and I knew it. When I walked back out, I kept my promise and gave him a few dollars. It’s not my business what he planned to do with it. It was his to spend or keep. As I walked toward my car, he said, Thanks, Miss. God bless you. I said thank you — grateful that this lost soul knows the Lord. It is my hope that the Good Shepherd will soon find him and welcome him back into the fold.
What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. ~Luke 15:4-7 (Biblegateway.com)
This week I challenge you to see all marginalized people through God’s eyes. What can you do to shepherd all lost souls home? Scroll down and join me in the comments. I’d love to hear your testimony.
Before you leave today, Take a few minutes to enjoy my Music Monday selection by Brandon Heath entitled Give Me Your Eyes.
May blessings abound! <3
What a wonderful thing to do. Helping out a man in need. I usually do that too. If l tell them l’ll see them on the way out, l make sure to keep my promise and give them something. Yeah..they may be using it for bad stuff, but l am past the point of judging to tell the truth. Have a wonderful week 🙂
Sometimes the bad stuff prevents them from doing really bad stuff.
This world we live in can make it hard to see other people problems because it’s all about me, me, me… I will take this time to open my eyes and look to help someone else
Thanks for taking time to look out for your fellow man.
How good of you to be obedient to the prompting of the spirit. Oftentimes we entertain angels unaware, so we must stand in obedience. God bless you.
So true, Carlana. We must always be obedient. <3
That is one of our favorite songs! We listen to it in the car. We live in DC so it is easy to just get used to seeing homeless people and letting them become part of the landscape.
Sad but true…we live in MD.
First, I love that song by Brandon, second, I think we shoild use all platforms we get such as wordpress to spread the word.
I love that song too. 🙂 Also, I agree that this is as suitable a place as any to spread the good news.
I try to speak to people when I see them. I believe in acknowledging people when I see them and offering a smile. I’m usually a bit more giving during the winter and holiday months.
Girl, I have to dig deep everyday at my middle school. It is hard to see them as needing Christ but its’ so hard when they are rude and disrespectful. I will do better.
I have worked in “Challenge” schools too, and I know that’s hard. It’s difficult to cut them any slack because you feel like somebody had to teach them some manners. Sometimes, that’s just not the case. If we don’t “train up a child in the way that they should go,” someone else will.
This was beautiful! You just never know people’s circumstances and how much of a blessing you can be.
Thank you! If we live our lives in such a way that we’re available to each other, I think we’re on the right track.
Reblogged this on Dream Big, Dream Often and commented:
What do your eyes see when you view people around you? Are you blind to the plight of others? Or are you self-aware enough to see them and help?
Good question! Sometimes we’re so singularly-focused that others’ needs aren’t even on our radars.
I loved the post. I think the eyes get so focused on seeing the usual surroundings that we become “blind” in a sense.
How touching and what a big heart you have. Thanks for taking the time to help someone in need.
Thanks, Kiwi. I know I need to be more attuned to people’s needs (other than family and friends). I’m just trying to do my part. <3
I used to fight that voice or feeling. Now I immediately give in and do what that voice is saying. Even if it’s telling me to give my last dollar. I realize my last maybe a life line to someone else. Great article!
That last statement is profound, Kirstin. Your last dollar may in fact be a lifeline to someone else. We just never know. That single act of kindness may be life saving. Thanks for reading. <3
Helping others really shows what lies within our characters. I like for my children to see how my husband and I give back so they will serve others in some compacity as well.
Raising our kids to be thoughtful and empathetic is wonderful. We are their first teachers, so they will do as we do (usually).
This is a beautiful way to be. I hope that others will be able to see your fruits and be blessed.
Thank you. That is my prayer as well.
This is a beautiful way to be. I hope that others will be able to see your fruits and be blessed.
We should definitely be more open to strangers and those we see who are suffering. Thanks for the reminder.
You’re right. We must all do our part.
Amen to that! It’s not our business what they do with our generosity, it’s between them and the Lord! On that note, I need to start my annual (and hopefully eventually perpetual,) ministry called “Cookies of love.” I home bake cookies, put 2 or 3 in little bags with verses attached and keep them in my car to give to those in need. I’ve done it a couple of years now and it has started some great conversations!
Wow! Cookies of Love sounds like a wonderful cause, and not only will they get a delectable treat, the word of God will nourish them as well. <3