Friday, April 24, 2009

How to help?

I have a favor to ask of you all. My heart was very heavy this morning and I needed a plan to help in some small way. I have my answer and I am hoping you all might join in and help in some small way.
Here's the story:

I was in the drive through this morning picking up a coffee treat. At the exit of the drive through there was a man with his dog and a sign saying" Any spare change?" Well things like this hit me straight in the guy EVERY time. But I did nothing but tell my Mom (who I was on the phone with) and say a quick prayer.
Well God wasn't gonna let me off that easy. As I go off my exit this morning there was another guy with a sign (minus the Dog) asking for "Change".
I truly struggle when I see things like this. Part of me feels horrible and I want to do what ever I can to help. How humbling to have to stand there and ask strangers for help. Then there is the part that wonders if they really need help. I know there are people who honestly just do it to make some cash. ( I know because one of those persons has told me so themselves). Or they choose to not make their situation better.
A few times I have bought a person in this state a cup of coffee a sandwich things like that but I don't give cash for two reasons. 1. I honestly don't carry cash and 2. My family works with drug affected families (long story) and the thoughts of what could be done with the cash make me nervous.
This morning I payed "Lord how can I help?" I don't want to give cash, I can't stop every time and take them to buy some food. I don't think that is safe not does time always alow. But, I can't keep ignoring this either.
The answer to my prayer: I am going to make up "goody" bags to carry in my car. The will have a bottle or two of water, protein bars, dried fruit, wet naps, mints and so on. Not sure what all will go into them. I also know they won't have the same thing every time. What I find on sale will have to do. I will keep these bags in my car and when I see someone in need I will give them one. I'd love to get my hands on those small pocket Bible's too.
What do you all think?
This is where you all come in....if you can, please join in! Make up just a few and have them on hand. I must also say PLEASE be safe about it!!! Don't get out of your car or if you feel unsafe just listen to you instincts! Pull up and hand it out or drive by if you feel too uncomfortable.
I don't see stranger displaying their needs on cardboard often. But two in 30mins got my attention God! I am listening! I'll let you use me to do good!

5 comments:

The George Family said...

Awesome! I really love that idea. I am going to work on that this weekend. My husband and I were just talking about this, whenever I have cash I tend to give to signholders. And I know that that it doesn't always go to the right places, so that makes it a hard decison. But I love this idea. What a great idea for teen sunday school too.... hum...

Not So Perfect said...

I think that your idea is wonderful! Please be careful!
I am going shopping myself this weekend and plan to beef up on my supplies. In regards to the little Bibles, check with your local church and explain what you are doing and I bet you can get some donations. Love Ya.

Love Mom.

Niki said...

This is such a great idea! Thanks for letting us in!!

Denise said...

The goodie bag is a really sweet idea. Thanks for sharing that.

Saskia said...

That's a wonderful idea. I have exactly the same reservations as you with giving cash..

Saskia x