The following was submitted by an anonymous Wilshire member.
“…for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’” (Matthew 25:36-37, NRSVUE)
I made a new friend last week. I don’t know his name, or whether I will ever see him again.
At a red light, I lowered my window and offered him a protein bar, a knit cap and socks to help keep him warm as cold weather approached. He gratefully accepted them, and a tear ran down his cheek as he told me that he was trying to beat his addiction.
I hadn’t asked. It wasn’t my place to ask. Rather, this was a spontaneous bearing of his soul to his new friend (because no one is a stranger after sharing something that deep and personal). It was moving, and the very brief conversation that followed was a blessing to me, and I hope to him as well. It wasn’t until I drove away a few seconds later that it occurred to me that I hadn’t asked his name or given him mine (note to self: try to do better from now on).
Although I have done so in the past, over the years I have become uncomfortable giving money to people experiencing homelessness. You may or may not feel likewise. Instead, I try to keep on hand a few items that these neighbors can make personal use of: a little food, a small blanket, a pair of socks and/or gloves, lip balm, a bottle of water.
As the weather grows colder, I invite you to consider trying this or something similar. If you have given money in the past, you might notice a different, deeper reaction to meeting a specific need. In my experience the difference has been unmistakable. And the blessing far outweighs what has so far been my admittedly meager effort to see and minister to Jesus (note to self: try to do better from now on).