The One About the Homeless

This is a draft of a post that I started writing a few weeks ago.  I never really finished it, but here it is anyway.  Just thought I'd throw this out there into cyberland and see where it lands.
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I'm supposed to be writing something else right now, but I can't really concentrate on my assigned task until I sort through a few things that have been on my mind today. 
See these girls?

(Aren't they cute?)

 

These sweet things asked Phil and me if they could go with us downtown to feed lunch to the homeless.  Of course we said, "Of course!"

 

My friend Hannah and her husband Craig have been ministering to the down-and-out in the downtown area for a few years now.  They work alongside some individuals who have been serving Sunday lunch to the hungry and the homeless for quite a while.  I met Hannah at work last year and found out about what she and Craig and their kids were doing, and she invited us and our sweet youth and ANYONE WE KNOW to join them.

 

Let me tell you some of what we've experienced during our periodic excursions to downtown Memphis.  (WARNING:  My thoughts at this point are not in any way organized.  I'm afraid if I try too hard to put it together in a pretty package that I'll forget something that matters to me.)

• Several teenagers came through the line today.  I found myself wondering if they were still in school, and I wondered how it felt to go to class wondering if anyone had seen you in line for a handout.  I also wondered what circumstance had put those teens on the street looking for a meal.... was it a parent who was too drunk or strung out to feed them?  was it a sober parent who just wanted to take advantage of free food for the family?  were they runaways?  were they just regular kids who happened to be and about when the food was served?
• One of the wheelchair-bound regulars was recently diagnosed with cancer.  (He's in a wheelchair because both of his legs have been amputated.)
• Last week I saw a lady who was also a wheelchair-bound amputee;  I think she had a place to stay, but she was obviously still in need.  When she wheeled around to leave, I noticed that one of the wheels on the back of her motorized chair was broken, making it seem like she was constantly rolling through potholes.  I felt absolutely helpless to help her. 
• One guy who was known for picking fights, swearing, and complaining has settled down so much that Phil didn't even recognize him last week.  He goes by the nickname "Country."  Country hasn't been drinking and has been asking for prayer.  He's wanting to find his family and to find a way off the streets.
• Some of the people we serve are not really homeless, but many of them are still in need of food.  Some of them are probably able to work to provide food for themselves and for their families.  Homeless or hungry--able or not-- doesn't the fact that they showed up still make them worthy of compassion?
• I saw a few children go through the line today as well.  Children.  They can't help it.  Who is taking care of them?
• Phil fixed a plate for a baby boy who is about two years old.  He and his mom aren't always sure where they will be sleeping each night.  They've managed to be with friends most of the time, but things change from day to day.  Right now, I can't quite let my mind go there.... his mom looked like she hasn't been out of high school for very long.
• Most of the people who received food were glad to take what was offered. Many remembered their manners and expressed their gratitude often.
• Do you know anyone who doesn't like for the food on his plate to touch?  We've noticed that most of the people who go through the food lines are SO OVER that little inconvenience.  In fact, Drew is constantly amazed at all the tastes and textures of food that he has seen piled onto plates.  We've seen some completely fill their plates and still stay in line to have food served into plastic grocery sacks.  Some have even put pieces of chicken in their pockets.
• Some people do turn down some of the food items that are offered; a few have medical issues that keep them from eating certain things (I think one man we saw was a diabetic), but some just don't like what is offered. Part of me is like, "Hey, take what you can get if you're really hungry." But then, another part of me wonders how often I choose to be particular about the grace that's extended to me.... I can sure be full of myself....
• If I had to be homeless, I'd want to be homeless in this country. At least the homeless here have access to some public restrooms and to free, clean water--even if it's from a sink in a gas station.
• Today I could smell the alcohol on some of the people before I even laid eyes on them.  Again, part of me was thinking, "You could've used your money for some FOOD instead of drinks!"  But on the other hand, what had led them to drink themselves into that situation anyway? Was it bad luck? A bad habit?  Escape from stress or sorrow?  Most of us blend in with the rest of society quite nicely, but I bet our secret habits and addictions stink worse than stale alcohol l in the nostrils of the Almighty.  How astonishing that He doesn't declare us undeserving of forgiveness and grace.

Remember, I WARNED you that you'd see little organization to my thoughts.

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Yeah, so I never really finished that post or made a point or anything.  However, if you live near the Memphis area and want to lend a hand or contribute something, I'd be glad to direct you to some folks who can tell you how you can help.  Downtown Memphis isn't really my actual neighborhood and the homeless aren't my nearest neighbors, but we do share the same planet, and Jesus cares about them, so whatever any of us can do isn't a wasted or misguided effort.

I know this much:  it's getting colder outside, and warm coats, socks, and blankets would be greatly appreciated by many people.  If you have some you want to donate, give me a shout and we'll see what we can do about sharing some warmth. 

If you DON'T live anywhere near Memphis, I bet you can still find some folks not too far away from you that are in need of something that you can provide.  I think I'm going to start looking around for needs we can meet that are a little closer to home, as well....  Neighbors, it seems, are everywhere.  God help us serve them and love them well.

PS--We found out recently that the business in Memphis that has been the main contributor of meat has made some cut-backs, so they don't have as much to donate to the Sunday lunch effort.  If you have any ideas or know of anyone who can donate extra food, then I'll be glad to pass the info along.  Thanks.