what you have, you must give away!
There was a story on the news recently about a young couple whose van was repossessed. Everything that was in it was also claimed, including their baby's cremated remains. (Later it was updated that the company that repossessed the van did return the ashes.) They were staying with a friend trying to sort things out....trying to find work...trying to just become whole again. There was a website mentioned in which viewers, if they wanted to, could donate money in the hopes of helping this couple.
I tell you, the vitriol that I witnessed in the comment section of this online news source frightened me! Comments of hate, of how this couple was irresponsible...of how they should figure out life for themselves and of how "stupid" they were just filled the page. As if those who'd made the comments would know...right?
I sat there and I prayed. And meditated. And prayed some more. And remembered my life.
I have never had a vehicle repossessed, but my dad did. My dad, who'd worked so hard as a barber in the 60's and onward, and we were just living one paycheck away from disaster for many years. I remember his pain, his feelings of loss, his shame. And I was only 10 years old. I felt that pain also.
Of the $7,000.00 needed to reclaim their van, the story reported, only about $1,000.00 had been donated by a generous public. It was then that I cried. Great big tears.
Who among us is worthy to cast a stone at "why" someone is in need? Who among us has never known despair and need? Who among us is perfect and knows how to budget wisely? and who among us has never had an incident where, even in the most careful of circumstances, we lost something dear to us anyway?
Raise your hand, mine is already up in the air!
Casting stones. Jesus warned us all about that. John 8:7. I say also, reserve your judgment. You may not remember every detail of your life, but you have made mistakes also. We are all sinners. You. Me. That neighbor down the street. All of us. Jesus also admonished us this: "if you have two coats and you see someone in need, give one of your coats away!" Luke 3:11. Jesus also admonished us about having "enough," yet becoming greedy and building bigger barns to store even MORE! Luke 12:18. Never mind about those in need, you want IT ALL! and you shall have it....for what you measure out shall be measured back to you. At some point, your greed and desire will come back to haunt you...and not in a good way. Matthew 7:2. You may think, "but I have worked hard for this! It is MINE!" and that is true...you have worked hard for it...but it is not yours. By the Grace of God...you enjoyed success. Don't you think that, by the Grace of God, you were meant to SHARE it with those who need it? You may say, "where is God's Grace on those who are in need?" and I say to you: "Because of God's Grace you were given much...and by giving away much, much MORE will be given to you." Don't keep it...share in what you have and God will grace you with so much more...and guess what? By your wealth and the sharing of it, another may enjoy that same Grace!
I hope that when you see or witness a hard luck story, that you also will share the Grace that God has given to you with another. Without reserve. Without judgment. And with much Love...with so much love that, once done, you will be bursting with even more love!!! So much Love multiplying worldwide!
THIS is what Peace is all about!
May you have a peace filled day!
And so, Reverend, what did YOU do about this situation? Did you give...or are you just spouting off as only a "preacher" can do?
ReplyDeleteAnyone who knows Reverend Baum, knows that she would have done the right thing! Also, it does say in the Good Book, that when one gives, one does not solicit recognition, that it goes better for you to do this in secret. I looked that story up online...I was also shocked at the comments. As Rev. said...it's as if no one has ever known need in their lives. I am so ashamed!
ReplyDeleteWhen I needed help the most, Rev came through for me...and not in a monetary way, but in words, in support and in love. Sometimes a great big dollar sign is not needed, but just a heart full of love is required.
ReplyDeleteWe seem to forget when we have ever been in need. I have never forgotten who helped my family out one cold Christmas when Daddy was out of work. And it is with that memory that I do what I can for another. Thanks be to God!
ReplyDeleteA Minister passing through his church
ReplyDeleteIn the middle of the day,
Decided to pause by the altar
To see who come to pray.
Just then the back door opened,
And a man came down the aisle,
The minister frowned as he saw the man
Hadn't shaved in a while.
His shirt was torn and shabby,
And his coat was worn and frayed,
The man knelt down and bowed his head,
Then rose and walked away.
In the days that followed at precisely noon,
The preacher saw this chap,
Each time he knelt just for a moment,
A lunch pail in his lap.
Well, the minister's suspicions grew,
With robbery a main fear,
He decided to stop and ask the man,
'What are you doing here?'
The old man said he was a factory worker
And lunch was half an hour
Lunchtime was his prayer time,
For finding strength and power.
I stay only a moment
Because the factory's far away;
As I kneel here talking to the Lord,
This is kinda what I say:
'I JUST CAME BY TO TELL YOU, LORD,
HOW HAPPY I HAVE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHERS FRIENDSHIP
AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN.
DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY,
BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY.
SO, JESUS, THIS IS BEN,
JUST CHECKING IN TODAY.'
The minister feeling foolish,
Told Ben that it was fine.
He told the man that he was welcome
To pray there anytime.
'It's time to go, and thanks,' Ben said
As he hurried to the door.
Then the minister knelt there at the altar,
Which he'd never done before.
His cold heart melted, warmed with love,
As he met with Jesus there.
As the tears flowed down his cheeks,
He repeated old Ben's prayer:
'I JUST CAME by TO TELL YOU, LORD,
HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHERS FRIENDSHIP
AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN.
I DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY,
BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY.
SO, JESUS, THIS IS ME,
JUST CHECKING IN TODAY.'
Past noon one day, the minister noticed
That old Ben hadn't come.
As more days passed and still no Ben,
He began to worry some.
At the factory, he asked about him,
Learning he was ill.
The hospital staff was worried,
But he'd given them a thrill.
The week that Ben was with them,
Brought changes in the ward.
His smiles and joy contagious.
Changed people were his reward.
The head nurse couldn't understand
Why Ben could be so glad,
When no flowers, calls or cards came,
Not a visitor he had.
The minister stayed by his bed,
He voiced the nurse's concern:
No friends had come to show they cared.
He had nowhere to turn.
Looking surprised, old Ben spoke up
And with a winsome smile;
'The nurse is wrong, she couldn't know,
He's been here all the while.'
Everyday at noon He comes here,
A dear friend of mine, you see,
He sits right down and takes my hand,
Leans over and says to me:
'I JUST CAME BY TO TELL YOU, BEN,
HOW HAPPY I HAVE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND THIS FRIENDSHIP,
AND I TOOK AWAY YOUR SIN .
I THINK ABOUT YOU ALWAYS
AND I LOVE TO HEAR YOU PRAY,
AND SO BEN, THIS IS JESUS,
JUST CHECKING IN TODAY .'