In my effort to Love More, Live More, Give More, and Stress Less, I have felt a pull on my heart to pursue the kinds of activities that not only show the love of Jesus Christ, but put that love into motion. And so, a few weeks ago, the wheels began to turn in my mind. I want to give and serve, but I'm not sure how. And someone mentioned Kylie's Prayer. I was on board. And because, at the time, the temperature during the day in downtown Houston was only reaching mid-40s, the idea of making scarves seemed like a fantastic idea. So, my friends and I got to work. Each of us brought several yards of fleece and scissors, and off we went - frantically cutting, tying, collecting, bagging scarves of all different colors and patterns to give to our friends in Houston. We made over 100 scarves in one afternoon! It was amazing. What was just a little idea for a few friends in an afternoon became a gathering, that became an idea, that became a calling...
Last night, we handed out several scarves, some shoes, some clothes, blankets, and food. My husband dug through boxes to find suits for men to attend church. My oldest son handed out bottles of water. My middle son gave out snack packs. My daughter handed out scarves. My sister-in-law, nephew, and niece gave out provisions. My friends - over 30 of us - were there to provide "stuff" to make life on the streets a little less uncomfortable. We felt good about that.
But what those homeless folks gave us was so much more! First of all, they gave us new perspective. They were kind and warm, humble and gracious. They were protective of us. They were talkative and friendly. They were people, just like us.
We met a few men, perhaps around my age, who were desperately seeking suits or slacks to wear to church. One man told us that he liked to keep at least one decent suit that he could wear to church or a job interview. It may sound ridiculous, but I just never stopped to think that a homeless person cared much about how he looked. Or that he cared to go to church. But once we talked with these sweet people, I knew that they were a lot more like me than I had previously given them credit for. Though we did not have a suit or slacks in his exact size, he was glad to take a pair of pants too large for him and a belt. "I'll make it work," he said.
We also met a man named Gary. Gary was a talkative man. He shared his story with us. He was a former Marine. He'd been in trouble with the law at some point, and was eventually picked up on a warrant. He told us, "I don't do drugs, but I drink too much." He grinned. He said he had been sent to Houston to do time, and once his time was up, he was let go on the streets of Houston, where he had no family. He had been homeless only 9 days, but it was rough. He took food, water, a few hygiene items, and a pair of blue jeans. He smiled at us and said, "God bless y'all. This is what Jesus would've done. He would've gone out to be with people and love them." I couldn't help but tear up. This man had been humbled by his circumstances, forced to beg to survive. And yet, here he was blessing us! He was not only reminding us of the bigger picture, but reminding us of why we serve and who we serve. Before he left for the night, he gave hugs and handshakes and told us, "I'll pray for y'all, and you pray for Gary." I promise, I did.
Thankfully I did not see children. I was prepared with clothes and shoes, but I didn't want to have to give any out. I think it would've just broken my heart in a way that I might not be able to recover from! We only met a few women, but I suspect that the majority of the women and children who are homeless were likely in a shelter for the night.
I prayed before I left my house last night. God, use me to be a blessing to those who don't have what I have. Don't let Your blessing end with me. Let it flow through me. Use me to do Your work. And let me to leave broken and changed. Break my heart for what breaks Yours. Let me see Your children the way You see Your children... as valuable and loved. He did.
My friends and I have been touched by the love and generosity of those we served alongside last night. But we were also touched by the sweetness of those we came to serve. We won't forget their faces, or even their names. But we won't have a chance to, because we will be back next month - with more snacks, more water, more toothbrushes, and more clothes. We know we can't save the world - or even all of Houston - but we also know we can't do nothing.
If you would like to help - no matter where you live - please contact me. Don't be discouraged by the overwhelming need. You can make a difference.
Don't fail to do something just because you can't do everything.-Bob Pierce, founder WorldVision
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