Nothing breaks my heart more than when I see a homeless man or women on the side of the road, holding a cardboard sign asking for help. So many Americans are left without a job or a home and need help from others. Most people don’t even pay attention to people standing on the side of the road and just go about their day as if nothing is wrong about this picture.
One day in Portsmouth, I went to Tim Hortons and I was heading back to school. I noticed a man standing on the corner who clearly looked homeless or in need of help. He had long facial hair, rough old clothes, and a shopping cart filled with his belongings, which wasn’t much. I had the option of turning left at the yellow light or stopping to help out the man. I looked in my rear view mirror, and I did not see any cars. I slowed down, rolled down my window and handed him a blessing bag.
In my car I keep what I call blessing bags. In these bags I have tooth brushes, deodorant, snacks, gloves, Kleenexes, and a card with a bible verse on it. I highly recommend doing this and keeping a few in your car. This gives you the option of helping them with essentials instead of only giving them money, and all of these items can be purchased at Dollar Tree if you are working with a tight budget. As I handed him the blessing bag I was able to talk to him while the light was red. He was so appreciative of this small gesture, and said that anything was helpful. I was able to get his name and pray for him, and I still think of him and pray for him to this day. However, as I was talking to him someone held down their horn, passed me, and flipped me off.
Immediately, I felt sad and ashamed. Some people treat homeless people as if they are unimportant or scum. All this man needed was something small to get him by. Whether it is a prayer, food, or a job. What if it was you standing on the side of the road asking for help? Everyone comes from different home lives and backgrounds. Some live in poverty and some live well off. However, no one deserves to be treated the way this homeless man was treated.
I wish I would have been able to do more for this man other than a bag, but something is better than nothing. As Christians, it is our responsibility to take care of the needy and poor. Proverbs 31 tells women to extend their hand to the needy and open their arms to the poor. Also, in Hebrews it says to do good and share what you have because it is pleasing to God. Throughout the Bible it talks about helping those in need, and we should. I encourage you the next time you see someone in need, help them. Any help you give them is appreciated whether it is food, clothes, money, or prayers. Take time out of your day to help someone in need. Instead of turning left at the yellow light, stop and help.
