Over the weekend, my family and I experienced something that I want to share with you. But, the problem is, I don’t quite know how to express it all just yet. I’m still processing. Oh, how I process. It’s a curse, you know.
We went to a local “soup kitchen” to volunteer and help pass out food. (please know that I don’t share this to bring glory to my name, I share because I can’t get the faces out of my mind. I share because I feel compelled to share and to go.)
Quite honestly, I didn’t realize in our “tiny town” that there was a homeless or poor population. I’m embarrassed to admit that. But, it’s true. I knew there were many, many Christian organizations and ministries in our area…I mean, there is a church on every corner and sometimes even 2 per corner. We are in the middle of the Bible belt.
Yet, I wonder, at times, how many of us are actually living what the Bible actually says.
We are in the Bible belt…yes. But, I feel like for the first time, at least in my own town, I put my arms around someone that probably would never set foot in our church. It literally makes me want to weep to say that, but it’s true. One man even shared that he didn’t go to church because he didn’t have clothes nice enough or would never, ever be welcome somewhere like church.
Is church what they need? Or is it just Jesus?
Just Jesus.
Just Jesus.
My heart is going in so many different directions…right along with this post. I apologize in advance. (or maybe it’s about halfway through at this point, I’m not sure.)
You may remember that I read Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God
What about all those people who will never, ever. never. come to church. What is wrong with this picture?
We sit in our nice air conditioned (or warmly heated, depending on the month) pews and sing about the love of God. We put our well-earned money into the plate and go on our way. We sit in our Sunday School classes discussing oh, lots of important and highly essential things. But, I ask you…is church about me? Or is it about God? And if it’s about God, if it’s truly all about Him, why aren’t we out there being His hands and His feet…why aren’t we doing what He told us was most important?
“Love the Lord Your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…and love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew. 22:37-39.
“He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” Proverbs 14:31.
“If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.” Proverbs 21:13.
There are a few faces that I can’t get out of my mind. There were people there, receiving food, that I knew personally. I still can’t get it off my mind. I guess I’m not shocked. I’m not judging…I’m sad. I’m sad that I might walk right past someone in the park, at walmart…and not even know that they can’t afford to feed their children.
My heart hurts. But, it must go beyond that. It must go beyond hurt and sadness to resolve and courage. Pray that I will have courage to go back. To love on people that need the love of Jesus like no other. But, it’s not so much that I need courage to go back, but courage to do the right thing…and that is not to treat the people and faces there like a project. It’s not a project. They are people. Like you and me. They need a Savior. Just like I do. They need people to love on them…yes, they need food…but they also need more than food.
I so wish you lived near me. I’ve been dealing with similar inner stirrings for about 2 years now. I’m still not sure where they are leading. It’s very frustrating, but I have to believe God is preparing me for something. The things I would love to just dive in and do are not supported by my husband. Or Ben is too young. Or…..I’m just not sure. We’re beginning by volunteering for Meals on Wheels. THAT is something Ben and I can do together. But I still feel that somewhere in the future is something more….
My mom was the director of a Food and Care Coalition about 15 years ago and it was difficult for all of us emotionally. I helped her from time to time and yes, you never know who is in need of food or clothes. It is sad and heartbreaking.
Just being there with a caring, non-judging heart, a warm smile and a listening ear is the best way to share God’s Love.
The band played to help benefit The Daily Bread in Morristown. After we got finished with our set, a man asked me if I could come talk to his girlfriend. They both were staying at the local homeless shelter. I walked over, not knowing what to expect or say. I sat there with her,her boyfriend, and several other people from the shelter just simply talking. They asked about the music about why I was there. I was able to talk to them about how they had no family around here. No job. No promise of anything good on the way. I was able to talk with them some about how good God is but my heart was telling me to show them. I have thought of them countless times since then and have prayed for them. I still cannot forget their faces. But it is sad that I look back and wonder….did I really show them Jesus? I don’t know. I wanted to but He would have done a lot more.
Thank you for recommending “Same Kind of Different as Me” on your blog! I work with Thomas Nelson, and we would love to follow your blog and hear what readers think of this moving book. I also want to let you know that Ron and Denver have just released a new book “What Difference Do It Make?” which updates readers on their activity since the first book came out. Please contact me with your mailing address if you are interested in receiving a complimentary copy of the new book for review on your site at your convenience.
Thanks!
Jodi Hughes
pubintern@thomasnelson.com
Very well written Candace! I can’t wait to walk alongside you in this. I can’t even fathom where God may lead our families in this….makes my heart very excited for His hand to guide us~ We are so fortunate to have your family as partners in doing God’s work!