A cup of warmth; a cup of dignity.
That’s what I bought him today. It only cost me five bucks and a little bit of time – a small price in comparison to the gift given.
I saw him walking down Main Street, carrying a backpack along with multiple grocery store bags. Instead of holding his groceries, they held his worldly possessions. Freezing temperatures and spitting rain are hostile enemies of the homeless – just more fuel added to an already burgeoning fire of helplessness.
I wondered if he would follow me to the McDonald’s just down the road. Daughter and I were headed there for our usual Monday lunch date. McDonald’s is one of the last stops before the interstate. Perhaps he would venture in before venturing onward.
He did, quickly making his way to the back corner of the restaurant. A look of shame covered his face, his eyes not wanting to meet anyone else’s until they did … meet mine. Before praying at our table, I made my way over to his.
Can I buy you lunch, Sir? What would you like today?
He looked up; his response was humble.
Yes, whatever you’d like to get me.
After nailing him down as to the specifics, I brought a chicken sandwich, fry, and Sprite over to him. I asked him his name, and then I asked him how I could pray for him.
I want to be warm, and I want to be protected.
Accordingly, we prayed together.
As I made my way back to my table, the tears began to fall.
I watched my new friend out of the corner of my eye while he ate. He took off his hat, plugged in his small radio, and for a few minutes, he was warm. He was protected. For a little patch of his day, he belonged somewhere.
Funny how five bucks and a prayer can buy someone so very, very much.
A cup of warmth; a cup of dignity.
As my daughter and I bundled up to leave, I waved good-bye, walked out to my not-yet-paid-for vehicle, turned on its heater, and headed home.
I have so much; Bobby has so seemingly little.
But for a few moments today, we sat together on level ground, talking to the Ground-Leveler, Jesus Christ. At God’s feet and before his throne, life gets simpler … safer.
That’s where I want to live. That’s how I want to live. Giving the warmth and protection of Jesus Christ to others. In Christ, and in him alone, all people re-discover their dignity.
Pay attention to the world around you, friends. There’s a world full of Bobbys waiting for you to take notice. A little time on your hands, a little prayer in your heart, and a little money in your wallet will exponentially move the kingdom of God forward. To the Father’s glory, for his renown, and for his name’s sake give a cup of warmth and a cup of dignity to someone today. In doing so, you bring heaven to earth.
Amen.
Love this!!!
Thanks, Lori. I pray you are staying warm and dry in this wintry weather!
His hands. His feet. His wallet. His huge love. You did Him (and us) proud, Elaine. The song, Thank You for Giving to the Lord (Ray Boltz), is playing in the background of my own warmed heart.
Having grown up in my daddy’s shadow – I could do no less. My dad modeled compassion in the way he lived his life. Every time I lend a hand up, I do so with my dad’s face in front of me.
wifeforthejourney:
A beautiful moment in your day, and hopefully the encouragement Bobby needed to keep going. Thank you for the reminder that our decisions matter and that lives matter. For as much as we are all consumed with our own lives and business, it is a good thing to keep our heads up and our eyes open. I’m reminded of the witness of the late Rev. Bruce Skipper and his deliberate ministry to the homeless who frequented the shelter beneath I-95’s bridges. Away from the limelight, the work of the Kingdom of God continues in hearts, on the streets and occasionally, at McDonald’s. Love you!
preacherbilly
Bruce remains a rock-solid, rock-star in my heart. Thanks for tying the memory of his work here.
Elaine, this is a beautiful story of individual compassion, and the unsheltered truly test our Christian commitment to those in need, when we are relatively wealthy in contrast.
I sometimes wonder if Dietrich Bonhoeffer, from his prison cell, is right that the church should sell all of its property! How many of the unsheltered could we house? How are we fulfilling Matthew 25, by paying utilities, property insurance and monthly fees on a security system for our church buildings?
Since I couldn’t find a shelter in Laurinburg, did you consider that a bus ticket for him to the Salvation Army in Fayetteville is only a mere $14? Would a phone call to the SA, one-way bus ticket and one person’s time change a man’s life from that day forward?
Beautiful reminder. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for being here.
Moving the kingdom forward one Bobby at a time. That’s beautiful encouragement, Elaine, to stay alert for divine appointments. We’ve had them occur in restaurants, at toll booths, in grocery stores, etc. And always the blessing is ours as we come away with the knowledge that God engineered the circumstances, and then infused the moment with his presence and power.
Oh Mrs. Ruegg – why don’t we live closer? I’d love to do ministry alongside you. Teacher-student. I still have so much to learn. Much love.
Bruce Skipper was indeed a strong man of faith with a passion for the homeless. Elaine, Billy, Jadon and Amelia I thank God for your family. Thank you for your prayers and Billy, for being there for John. He has had to struggle with a lot. Thank you with all my heart, though damaged, it is still strong enough to pray for and love your wonderful family. May God continue to bless you esp with a cup of warmth and a cup of dignity. Bobby will never forget you Elaine.
You know we are praying for a strengthened heart in you, Ann. All our love!
Your heart always portrays that of Jesus’! Thank you for sharing with inspiring words!
God opened a new door for me… cooking every Friday in an emergency Code Blue Shelter for the homeless in Atlantic City for the last 7 weeks! We have had record cold temps here… we serve 32+ people. Our main focus is not only food and warmth but dignity and identity! Sounds like you gave Bobby all of that and more!
My little “kitchen crew” always walks out each night after serving with tears of joy… feeling so blessed that we get to do this!! Thank you Jesus, for showing us “Kingdom life”, now!
That is incredible, Stephanie. I would love to serve in your kitchen, doing ministry side by side. Thank you for stretching the reach of heaven so effectively in this season. Blessings!