I’m so thankful for the training I’ve received at my church for helping homeless people.
Like many, I see homeless people on the street corner looking for money, work, food, dog food, a ride.
I don’t feel comfortable stopping, particularly after reading the books that advise “don’t give homeless people money.”
My training says professionals usually care better for homeless people. They recognize and can help other needs besides the lack of housing.
The books aren’t being cruel, they’re just trying to point out I don’t have to save everyone I meet.
I can do minor things, but the important work needs to be done by someone experienced in helping people in deep need–particularly when they choose to remain there.
So, I donate to my local Redwood Gospel Mission, make dinner when my church houses the Nomadic Shelter, and buy socks for outreaches.
When the Holy Spirit moves me, I give people–usually families–money.
But I’m troubled by it all the same.
Especially the man who stood in the dark rain on the median asking for help at night.
Lunch with a homeless man
Last fall, I drove a friend to the airport, a trip that takes about 90 minutes.
That particular day, traffic scrambled everything and it took two and a half hours. She made her flight and I turned for home.
I stopped at the local Starbucks, figuring I needed a pick-me-up before hitting the road again.
The line, at 10 o’clock in the morning, stretched out the door. So I decided to visit Jamba Juice instead.
Not far from the juice stand sat a bedraggled man; clean but obviously used to living on the streets.
He asked for help.
I actually laughed at the absurdity.
Of course I’d get hit with something like this when I’m feeling tired and frustrated. Of course.
There were plenty of others he could have asked, like a pretty young woman
Why ask a middle aged woman in a hurry?
Well, what would Jesus do?
He’d love him.
Setting aside my feelings for Jesus’ reaction.
“If you’d like, I’m going into Jamba Juice. I’ll treat. You can have anything you want.”
His eyes lit up. He picked up his backpack and followed me.
I opened the door for him. He looked about my age, but haggard and worn.
We stood together in a crowded line.
As the line inched forward, however, I remembered my training:
“Treat homeless people as you would like to be treated. Look them in the eye. Be polite and gracious. Ask interesting questions. Don’t be afraid. Be the Gospel.”
I put cheer in my voice. “So what would you like?”
A bagel and a juice.
“What size? I’m having a medium.”
He asked for the same.
Others in line looked at us, curious.
What to talk about with a homeless man?
“It’s been a crazy morning on the freeway,” I said. “And now I have another couple hour’s drive home.”
He nodded in sympathy and offered a comment. He once lived in Sacramento.
With that invitation, we began to talk.
As we waited for our order, I described our weekend up in Lake County sifting ashes after the fires.
His brother was a firefighter, he knew stories like these.
I talked about the oddest thing I saw.
“I was confused at first about why there were so many wires, until I remembered every electric appliance consists of three wires in the cord.”
This idea excited him and he explained why. An electrician, he couldn’t find work.
By the time our order arrived, we chatted easily.
I shook his hand. He called me an angel. We went our separate ways.
I’m so glad I stopped to get something to drink and Starbuck’s line spread out the door.
While I drove home–90 minutes–I reflected on the sweetness of my life that morning, greatly cheered by the kindness and grace of one man.
I’m so glad the Holy Spirit prompted me to stop and think about what Jesus would do in a situation like that.
But I’m also very thankful for Jenna, Cathleen, Matt and others at my church took the time to show us it’s not hard to help someone in need.
Thanks be to God.
Tweetables
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It’s not hard to help a homeless man in need. Click to Tweet
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Kimberly says
Michelle, thanks for sharing this story and for your little bit of courage, this is inspiring. Maybe I will also be courageous when I next encounter a similar situation .kimberly
Jennifer Zarifeh Major says
This was lovely, Michelle.
jmiller761 says
thanks for actually showing us something that we can do.