Good morning…
Thirty-six hours after being bit hard by a stomach bug, I took a hot bubble bath and felt like a brand new woman. Then my mind turned to those without a home, without a bathtub, without hot running water. What makes homeless people feel brand new after they have the flu?
Our family’s kitchen is stocked with food from generous friends, soups and salads, breads and cookies, lasagna and rotisserie chicken. Now my mind turns to those on the rainy streets right now without a family, without generous friends, without food to fill their starving stomachs. How can the abundance in my life overflow to feed the hungry?
On Sunday after worship, we packed 2,500 weekend meals for local school children in need through our Action Ministries SuperPack Event. It was a family affair, a lively assembly line. I enjoyed planting myself at the table with children writing love notes to add to each meal. Then because I was sick yesterday, unfortunately I missed our Mission Circle outing to the Buckhead THRIFTique, the clothing ministry of Buckhead Christian Ministry. In addition, to providing free clothing to people in need, the store provides affordable clothing and household goods to the community. Our group (minus me) spent the morning sorting, hanging, stacking, and responding to BCM’s stated need for undergarments by bringing new packages of panties, bras, and boxers. And later this month, I look forward to attending the third annual fundraiser for my dear friend Julie Harlan who died of stomach cancer at age forty-one. Julie’s Dream, a non-profit formed in Julie’s honor, has partnered with two tremendous organizations, Agape and Wilderness Works, to provide an opportunity for disadvantaged youth in Atlanta to experience the hope and love of Jesus Christ by participating in outdoor adventures and witnessing firsthand the beauty of God’s creation. I am left wondering, “Is it enough for me to seek, week by week, unique opportunities to serve our underprivileged neighbors?”
What makes homeless people feel brand new after they have the flu? How can the abundance in my life overflow to feed the hungry? Is it enough for me to seek, week by week, unique opportunities to serve our underprivileged neighbors? God, only You have the answers to these hard, haunting questions. LORD, help me listen to Your lead, please help me listen to Your lead.
Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self”(Matthew 16:24-25, MSG).
…Sue…
