Homelessness Sucks

Enough

/ The Pastor / 1 Comment

Is it enough to just exist, to make it through the day?
Is it enough to just survive, to find a meal and a place to sleep?
Is it enough to just be, to spend your time searching for something, anything?
Is it enough to just breathe and breathe and breathe?
For some, that is reality, and it saddens me, but it also convicts me.

I have a home to live in.
I have a family I love and who loves me.
I have food in my kitchen.
I have plenty of clothes from which to choose.
I have a career that is fulfilling.
I have a purpose for each and everyday.
I breathe and breathe and breathe, and do not give any needs a second thought.

I have enough but sometimes, a lot of the time, I want more.
I want more food.
I want more clothes.
I want more love.
I want more attention, respect, purpose…
I want more.

And maybe that is the problem with this world. We want and want and want, and that drives our lives. But it not only drives our lives, but the lives of others. We want more than enough, but do not give a second thought to those who do not have enough.

Today, I saw a person along the city boulevard by his tent. Many would classify him as homeless, but for him, it was his home. Enough? Maybe to escape the elements. But is it really enough?

Now I sit here on the balcony of the Airbnb we rented for a week, our home away from home. Enough? Absolutely, yet I still want more.

Yes, I am part of the problem, for many do not have enough as I comfortably desire more. God, help me be part of the solution.

Worship Prayers ~ Those Who Are Homeless

/ The Pastor

As temperatures dip and snow falls,
I remember before You,
O God,
those who have no homes –
Precious ones of Your creation who are forced to scramble to find shelter and warmth.
O God, have mercy.
Send resources and people into their lives.
But,
may weather not be the only reason I remember those who are homeless,
rather,
may they always be on my heart,
leading me to search for ways to show mercy and compassion
in practical ways.
May I never turn a blind eye or a deaf ear.
May I never dismiss them as someone else’s problem.
May I never judge them as lazy, irresponsible or as troublemakers.
O God,
transform my heart that I may have a heart for
PEOPLE,
who happen to find themselves homeless.
Transform my heart to love and care
for Your children.
In Jesus name I pray,
Amen.

Gordon ~ Homelessness Sucks

/ The Pastor

We met Gordon recently.

I don’t know his story other than he’s a black man who is homeless in Sumner, WA. My family and I were in town for an event when we saw him sitting on a downtown bench with his stuff. We all felt the God nudge so we stopped the car. We just needed to do something. In the back of my car are these bags…

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These bags came from the brain and heart of my 5-year-old daughter. She wanted to do something to help people who find themselves homeless and so she came up with this. We are incredibly proud of her. So my wife and I helped her put these together and now the two of us have these in our vehicles. We are currently in the process of adding to these bags and now others in my congregation want to help too. To God be the glory.

Anyway, we stopped and interrupted our evening activities to meet Gordon. My 4-year-old son wanted to get out with me so we grabbed a bag and walked across the street. I introduced the two of us to Gordon and shook his hand. Gordon’s eyes lit up as he smiled and introduced himself to us. We chatted for a bit as I handed him the above bag. Gordon thanked me and my son and we parted ways.

And now…

…my thoughts and prayers continue to be with Gordon. I wrote about Sofia’s story recently and I wish I knew Gordon’s story. So many regrets with my encounter with Gordon. I wish I had taken more time to listen but maybe God is teaching me. Maybe each and every encounter is one more step in my education and discipleship. I don’t know. What I do know is that I haven’t forgotten about Gordon; I can still see his face in my brain. And that’s good. I have a feeling that when the next opportunity comes around God will nudge me more.

God help me. God help us.

I/we have much to learn.

Remember Gordon and join me in praying for him. I/you don’t know his story, but God does. And God willing, I will see Gordon again so I can learn more of his story.

So, remember and pray. Learn and grow. Respond and act. To God be the glory.

The Pastor -|—