Mar. 13, 2008
Homeless Man...
Posted in Randomness
The kids and I went to the store for some shorts. As we were leaving, we encountered a homeless man who walked up to me and asked me for 3 dolllars. I normally would have given it to him, but my money was in my pocket and I didn't want him to see that I had more than 3 dollars, so I told him I didn't have it...yeah, I lied. As we pulled out of the parking lot, I felt sad for the man and new I had to do something. We went to the gas station across the street and the Holy Spirit told me to go and give him 10 dollars. My heart was breaking. I prayed for him. After we got gas, we went to find him. He was so thankful. I wished I could have done more for him and started to feel the burden to do so, but the Holy Spirit said the rest was up to Him. I still felt sad, but knew the man was in capable hands.
My daughter then proceeded to tell me about her friends grandmother. She said the woman doesn't give to homeless people because she feels it's a waste of her money because they might go and buy booze or cigarettes. I pondered that and told Destiny that it wasn't for us to decide if any of them would take the money and buy anything other than necessities. It was up to us to obey and leave the rest up to God. Then I told her that if people have already made up their minds that all homeless people are alike then they wouldn't be able to hear the voice of God to know if they should give or not.
This hits home for me BIG TIME. I wasn't as bad off as the man in the parking lot, but I went through my share.
Comments
Mar. 13, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 3rsandahug
What a powerful lesson for your daughter. It is so important for us to listen to the voice of God in these situations!
Karen
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Mar. 13, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by lcourtneymom
I definitely think we have to listen to the Holy Spirit's prompting. We don't have answer for what they might do with the money but for what we did with it, KWIM?
My dh is such a giving person. He has taught me sooo much in this area.
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Mar. 13, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by shawtime
What a wonderful post! I've always felt torn when faced with a decision like that. I never keep cash, so I don't have to lie about not having any money on me. I just wonder what I CAN do to help them. One suggestion I heard was to have shelter cards printed to direct them to a place that can help. I haven't done that yet. This post makes me think. Thanks!
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Mar. 15, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by sahmto4orMore
We try to keep a couple of goody bags in the car for the homeless/panhandlers. We pack a lunch bag with granola bar, applesauce cup, spoon in a zip bag, Kleenex purse pack, bottle of juice, and a gospel tract. OH, and raisins. This way we can hand them out rather than money. The kids decorate the bags, too, with markers and stickers.
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Mar. 15, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by LittleEblingsAcademy
I, too, have explained that it isn't up to us to decide how they use the gifts God has told us to give. We ae4r only required to listen to the Spirit...after that it's out of our hands.
I am proud of you for giving what you had to give.
Love you! ~Beckie :o)
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Mar. 20, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by kimalita
(( Tizrah )) my dh is the same way, the Lord has given him a ministry to the homeless. they are always 'appearing' where ever my dh is. He has sat and broke bread with them in restaraunts, he's given them gift cards to food places, he's given his own shoes off his feet and coat, in the dead of winter. Its being Jesus to them, isnt it? Good job showing Destiny it's up to us to follow the Holy Spirits leading -- thats our only job. To show the love of Jesus and to be obedient.
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