Loving the Least of These

Tonight Im humbled yet again by the power of God. Last night I went to the youth group retreat at Rippling Waters, and it was really really good. Our theme was Transformers so in the sessions we talked about changing our lives, relationships, and our world. We also had quiet time after every session where we got to do some journaling, which I LOVED. This girls heart needed it, and to just get away for a night.

When we got home this evening Anna, Rachel and I jumped in my car and headed down to the Salvation Army because it was our weekend to feed the homeless. When we got there they had finished serving the food, and my mom, Donna, Meemaw, and Joe were all sitting with the people that came to dinner tonight, talking with them, and getting to know them. So Anna, Rachel and I went and sat down at a table and started talking to some of the people. A little bit later my mom came over and said that a lady named Alice who was sitting at one of the tables was needing a cart to carry all of her stuff because it was just too heavy for her, but my mom said that she wouldn't tell her where she was staying so we could bring it to her. So I went over and sat down with Alice, who is probably 60 or 70 years old, as she finished up her dinner. And I simply told her that we wanted to get this cart for her, and needed to know where to bring it. So she filled me in on where she would be over the next couple of days. And I asked if there was anything else we could get for her,and she said "no I have a sleeping bag and a blanket." and when I offered to get more blankets for her, she refused, because they would be too heavy for her to carry. So we continued talking for a while..and one of the things she told me I will never forget. She looked me square in the eye and said, "you know, I dont like this country much these days. Im not a criminal. Im sick. It just isnt fair." I didnt have anything to say that was of worth to her. I guess because shes right. It isnt fair that a woman her age should have to sleep outside in this cold weather, on the cold, hard ground. But Im beginning to think that its more than just not fair. Its not justice.

I think as Christians we are called to bring justice to a hurting world. And while I think that providing meals, and blankets for the homeless are great things that we should be doing, Im starting to wonder if thats all we are called to do? I wonder what this world would look like the church opened its doors and allowed the homeless people to sleep in our warm buildings? We have tons of churches in this area, and for the most part, they sit empty and locked up throughout the week. It just seems funny to me that the place that these people should be turning to for hope is locking the doors on them. I know it sounds crazy to let them sleep in our churches...but what do we have to lose? They need a warm, safe place to stay where they can rest. I know that our carpet might get dirty, and it may not smell the best in our church, but honestly...is that going to matter? Im beginning to see that the small things like that dont matter, at all, people matter. The homeless matter.

Another man came to us tonight, and I want to share with you some of the things he said because they encouraged me a lot. This man had been a Christian, and walked away for a while, and has come back. He told us tonight that he is coming back to God, to his faith. He asked us to pray for him, and his journey. One thing he said I will never forget. He said, " The devil can take whatever he wants, but he can't take my faith." And at the very end of the evening I went to tell Alice goodbye, and asked again if she needed anything else, and she simply said, " do you think that one of these churches around here could get me a few nights in a motel, its $25 a night at the place on Pike street?" She simply wanted a warm bed to sleep in, a hot shower, a safe place to rest. I told her I would see what I can do.

Im going back to visit her tomorrow. Ill write about how all of this plays out.