My roommate and I saw half a dozen people on the side of the road yesterday afternoon. Several of them had packs or shopping carts full of their belongings. As naturally empathetic people, we both wished we knew what to do. But we were hopelessly unhelpful. We had no cash; we didn't intend on offering our apartment to someone who may not be trustworthy; we didn't have any idea of resources they could turn to for food or shelter.
What's a creature to do?
I'm always struggling between being a fearless disciple and using my God-given judgement to avoid unfruitful or dangerous situations. Sometime, all I can do is pray. I do think it's important, though, to be aware of what I can offer. Even if I can't give up my bed in the interest of my safety and the safety of my neighbors, I can at least increase my awareness of what resources exist in my community for those in need.
I don't have the capacity to save everyone from the hardships they will endure. I also don't have the right to judge others about what got them into their situations. In every situation, however, I can and will speak to my Creator. I often end my prayers with a plea to "help me to help others." It is so easy to feel overwhelmed by the sadness and pain in the world, but recovery is a two-way road. I don't expect God to swoop into every situation like Superman and save the day so that we never suffer just as I know that God also does not forsake us. That's why our Maker created hearts like mine, my roommate's, and many others' - hearts that are given to compassion and mercy.
The next step side is to use that motivation to gain knowledge about how to apply it. We are the hands and feet. We can't afford to clumsily throw cash and one-time offerings at our fellow creatures. We have to listen to them; challenge our precepts and judgments; and meet the need so that it glorifies our loving Creator, not us.
I don't always know how to put that to action but I can certainly pray about it until I have a greater understanding. Any thoughts?
In kindness,
Noelle
