Comfort

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.  

Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.  

And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation."

2 Corinthians 1:3-7

 

Would you? part 2

Please read "Would you part 1" if you have not read the first post.

The lady returned another day, almost in the exact condition if not worse. The young mother was outside with some family members when they were approached. The young mother, not knowing what to do, went back inside the house, leaving her family to deal with this stranger. The mother did this action of running, thinking to herself that her family can deal, they are wiser. They would know what to do. The young mother didn't stay to listen or even think. After all was said and done, pow! A thought smacked her in the face! A thought she will never forget.

"Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away."

Matthew 5:42 NKJV

"Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will reward them for what they have done." Proverbs 19:17 NIV

You have a loaf of bread and two jars of peanut butter, I thought. You have food, why didn't you look? I had a fear that stopped me from helping. A fear that comes from the media and word from others. She isn't the first nor last I have seen that I could have helped. Most on the street and yes scary but still needs help. Each situation is unique but still have a need. I could tell you more about the people on the street but for now, just think.

Would you? Would you turn away someone that needs help? Would you remember that you have food in your pantry that you can share? Would you have a loaf of bread or some leftovers? Would you take the time to talk with the lady and find out her situation, heat, cooking supplies or how they normally get food? Would you sit with her, talking, sharing life? Would you think about how you can help? Would you share Jesus?

Would you? part 1

The wind was blowing through the palm trees and across the road, behind the trees, the river had white cresting waves. Not to hot but not cold, warm, sunny day. The slight breeze touching the bushes ever so slightly, but enough.

The road winded with the river side, sections at a time, each turn and curve. Houses could be seen mostly on the west side of the road but some buildings on the east side hid the river from the view of the road.  A road that was used occasionally by a stray car, bicyclers from the nearby college or the locals walking their morning or late afternoon walk.

On this particular day the traffic was next to none. Inside a house, built by one of God's faithful men many years ago, a young mother and her daughter were tending to daily activities. The front door had a frosted glass that the young mother could see a reflection coming up the driveway. She did not hesitate to wait for whoever was walking on the property. Maybe it would be someone she knew or maybe a stranger. She never knew until the door was opened.

The mother opened the door... another lady was walking up the sidewalk to the porch. She was tall and slender with tattered clothes clinging to her frail looking body. Her light dark skin on her face was matted with her dark black hair, a few strands hanged but it was not the look that caught the mother off guard. A look she had seen many times in her life but usually from the car. It was the stench that was being blown towards the house. A very strong smell of dirt, grime, decomposed food, so strong the mother thought she was going to be sick.

"May I help you?" the mother asked hoping the lady would not come any closer. The lady stopped at the edge of the porch, "I know I smell but I live nearby and" she paused getting something out of her pockets. In her right hand she held an ID, dirty and in the left hand some coins. "Here is my ID if you want to see." She started to hand to the mother but the mother stopped her. "It's okay I do not need to see I believe you." The lady then held out her left hand, "These are yours I found on the property", turning to point up and down the road. "You keep them" the mother did not want to touch nor handle. Just wanted the lady to hurry up and leave. "I have children at home and need some food. I do not have much change" the lady said as she started to tell the mother a little bit about her situation, no work, no food, several children. The mother, still wanting to leave, told the lady she did not have any cash and having no work herself. She was unsure of the lady's story so she told the lady of the places she knew to get help and sent her on her way. Feeling sorry but not thinking of what she really could do to help.