Here’s a story from nearly 10 years ago titled, “How We Walk with the Broken Speaks Louder Than How We Sit with the Great!” Before you read about a past encounter Scottie had with a homeless man, there are a couple of relevant things to consider.
First, the Wise Man said in Proverbs, “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.” (14:31) Clearly, the poor, peripheral and hurting are on the Lord’s radar.
Another point of interest is how Jesus prioritized the marginalized; he welcomed children (Mt. 19:14), valued women (Lk. 8:48), touched lepers Mk. 1:41-42), and when asked “who is my neighbor” he told the story of the Good Samaritan (Lk. 10:29-37). Yes, the wounded, hurting, disabled and homeless matter, because they matter to God.
Back to the aforementioned story. It was in 2015, after finishing a Texas One Day With God Camp in San Antonio, Scottie was looking forward to visiting the Mexican Market for some great bargains. God, however, had another plan: to meet someone who would change her heart.
As they made their way toward the market, she saw a frail man standing near a food truck. She asked him if he was hungry. He nodded affirmatively, so she quickly ordered food for him. He ate as if he hadn’t eaten in days. Seeing this, Scottie was overwhelmed by compassion and began to speak with him concerning Jesus. He knew at least parts of the redemptive story seeing he quoted scripture back to her.
This is where the story gets interesting. “Learning that he slept under the bridge,” Scottie writes, “I bought him a blanket and a backpack. I handed him a ministry card and prayed for him before he left. The next day I was in the store and asked the clerk if the little man had been back. She said yes but was arrested for stealing a blanket and a backpack!”
Isn’t it amazing how a kind gesture can sometimes lead to unexpected complications? This reminds me of the story of the blind man in John 9. But the story’s not over! Upon hearing what happened, Scottie’s heart ached until she learned that the man had shown the police her card, saying, “The lady with this card bought me the blanket and backpack.” They released him…
Though he never confirmed where he stood with the Lord, we can only hope to see him again on that great day. In reflection, Scottie writes, “I thank God for the lesson that He taught me that day and by the way the Mexican Market didn’t seem important to me.”
Wow, what an impactful story. As I close, I’m reminded of a friend’s comment in a Summer Series several years ago at our church. He said, “When you encounter a homeless person, look them in the eye and ask them their name. They are people just like you!”
May God help us to always remember, “How We Walk with the Broken Speaks Louder Than How We Sit with the Great!”
You are loved!
Les
