A friend from high school posted this on Facebook today: ”Homeless lady……no place to go…..no job….disability pending……she called desperately begging for me to help her……panicked and scared…..what do i do with her?” This friend works at a church in my hometown, so I’m assuming the lady called the church asking for help. When I read the comments she received back, I got just a little…well…angry. No offense to anyone who commented. I know they were earnestly offering the only advice they knew to give, and at least were willing to give that. But the advice they gave just stinks!!! Basically they said, “Send her to the government. They have the help she needs.” REALLY?!?!?
We can do better.
The lady had enough wisdom to know who had the answers to her problems…the church…and the church is going to send her to the government? I don’t even know where to start with that backwards thinking. So I’ll just offer my own advice. I know I’m full of unsolicited advice, but in this case, my friend DID actually ask for some.
It’s not an accident when someone crosses our path. God trusted us with this point in time, with this person. The lies tell us it’s all coincidence, so we just ignore those around us, but we can do better. Here’s where I would start…
First of all, none of us have to live in fear and panic, regardless of our circumstances. God does not give us a spirit of fear. So start there. Remind the lady of that. Calm her fear. Pray with her. Remind her that God sees her and He WILL take care of her. Remind her to ask Him and thank Him. Thank Him for all that she DOES have, no matter how little that is.
Next, tend to her immediate needs. And yes, I know my friend can’t take on the world, none of us can. But we CAN do what we can do. And we should. Does she need a meal, and can you afford an extra one? Then feed her. Does she need a ride to the doctor, and do you have transportation and a few extra minutes? Take her. Can you make some phone calls and find a place she can sleep tonight? Start dialing. Does she have immediate needs that you can’t meet? But maybe you know someone who can? Call them. What does she need right now that YOU can do? As Nike would say, just do it!
Now for longer term solutions. How did she come to this circumstance in the first place? If she found herself with no place to go, it’s likely that she has not maintained relationships with friends and family. Few people will take in strangers. It’s not wise for our own safety. But most anyone will take in a good friend who’s in a bad situation. Invite her to come to church and make some friends.
Find out what she knows how to do that may be of value to someone else, and connect them. Help her find some work. Don’t do for her more than she is willing to do for herself. You would do her a disservice to feed into any feelings of helplessness. She is not helpless. God is her helper, and He gifted her with talents she can use for others.
Most of us believe the lie that the little bit we can do is not enough, so we don’t even bother to do that. We can do better.
Just to clarify some of my comments. I understand that the government assistance agencies provide much needed services. And that there are many Christians working in those offices who care deeply about the people they are serving. I’m grateful for what they do, and what those people give up, getting so little in return. My heart’s desire is that people learn to look to God FIRST to meet their needs. You know, “seek ye first…”. The agencies provide needed services, but God is the only One with the real answers. I think that we, as the church, are His representatives here. I hope when I see someone needing help that I always remember to point them to the One who is their helper first. And then, as Jesus did, I become His hands here on earth, bringing His Kingdom to earth, showing His love and compassion in real, tangible ways.
Well written. I agree … we feel overwhelmed, but the TRUTH is that just a little helps more than you know! For an example, when I was a 16 year old girl and found myself homeless. I was sitting in a Texaco crying, because everyone I knew was not home or couldn’t help me … the Texaco worker asked a lady he knew if I could sleep over. She lived in a very humble 1 bedroom apartment, behind the Texaco. BUT, she offered and took me in for that night. She offered me a pallet on the floor. She gave me milk and cookies. She went to bed, woke me up in the morning and I never saw her again, but did I forget her? NEVER! She was SAFE! She didn’t try to make a move on me or want anything in return. I just felt like a kid for the first time in a REALLY long time. I felt cared for and you never know how much that can do for someone. Be that someone. I’m not saying take in a strange girl, but if you see a girl walking down Hwy 10 in Euless this summer with a backpack, she’s probably homeless or really poor. Go stop at McDonalds and buy her a burger and fries and a cold drink. YOU can share Jesus and she may just listen. She may not, but you know what at least your not stopping to try to “give her a ride (other wise known as trying to pick her up).” Remember you have power … the power that GOD gave you through Jesus Christ … don’t hide it.
Heather, your story is so IMPORTANT for others to hear. Most of us have no idea what’s going on right in our own neighborhoods. If people knew, they’d understand how critical, and life-saving it can be to do just that little bit that seems so inconsequential to them.
Heather,
I know I dont know you, but thank your for sharing your story. Wow… im speechless!!! Congrats to you as it appears you have certaintly come a long way.
Liz