I have encountered so many homeless people without even looking for them. I was just thinking about the many faces, some names, and a couple stories I’ve heard. I’ve seen them beg for money, even demand it. I’ve seen them sing for money. I’ve seen them just holding a sign and avoiding eye contact. I’ve seen them curse you if you try to give them food.
In the beginning of the project, I was having a hard time opening my heart towards them. I’ve opened my heart before. I’ve imagined their pain and tried to guess their stories. But I was a little scared that if I kept my heart open, I would hurt too much. This is my 3rd urban project in NYC. It’s easy to make our hearts hard in order to protect ourselves from the despair around us.
I was walking with 2 friends a couple days ago and ran across Brandy on the sidewalk. It was a hot, sunny day; I couldn’t wait to get back inside. She was holding a sign that said she would accept anything. I told her I had a granola bar and she seemed very grateful. As I walked away feeling proud of myself for caring, I realized that I had so much more I could give her. I gave a granola bar! How much more have I been blessed with? All my needs are met, and I have a savior. Why did I feel so proud for pitying a woman with a beautiful smile (in spite of her jagged, crooked teeth) and giving her the least I could afford. I wanted to go back but I waited. When I went back with two juice boxes, she was gone.
There was the man just a few hours ago with sneakers so dirty and split open that I couldn’t imagine what good they were doing on his feet. His hands were blackened. He was unshaven and all his clothes were dirty and hanging off his frame. He carried random food items that people had given him as he hopped from train car to car. What shocked me was that there was nothing he refused. Several of us had bags of nuts that we got from meeting with Kenneth Cole. No matter how few nuts were in any of the bags, he accepted it.
I could go on and on! My heart will forever ache when I see someone who has to beg. My cheeks will get red every time I see the crowd avoid his gaze.
I read in my pastors blog a few days ago about the sins of Sodom and Gommorah. Most people remember these cities sins of inexcusable sexual immorality. But do you know what the Bible says about them?
“‘Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen. NIV
Let’s not be guilty of looking the other way.
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