So as a response to feeling sad last Christmas, in part for receiving a bunch of "stuff" I didn't need or want, when other less fortunate go without, I thought I should give gifts to the homeless. Before Christmastime, Vanessa and I bought some Arby's gift cards and went to downtown Tulsa to hand them out to people who looked homeless. We hit up three or four people. Introduced ourselves, explained our purpose being Christ's love and granted them the gift card. All were appreciative, one guy even recited all of the beatitudes by memory! We prayed with most of the people. It was good. So when Christmas came around we had six gift bags full of stuff... stalking cap, wool socks, blanket, snacks and treats. One poor fellow hit us up prior to Christmas day, but he seemed like a good person to share God's love with. He seemed very appreciative, I prayed with him and gave him a hug. He said he wanted to get food for his pregnant wife... they had just relocated to OKC from Lousiana. Later, my friend Eric said he's been hit up for money by a guy who walked past the same location I met my poor fellow... with a similar story... but he was drunk! I wondered if it was just a story and he was really hoping to score money for booze. I don't know. Part of me felt betrayed. Another part felt as if any kindness imparted is good and the Holy Spirit can use it even if the other person was selling bull. Another part of me hoped my kindness made him feel guilty in his lie... if it were a lie. But I bet that's not the way Jesus would have felt if he were in my shoes.
On Christmas day we drove downtown and in about 5 minutes gave out the four remaining bags. Of the four people, only one really seemed grateful. She said she began her day by singing happy birthday to her savior. I don't know her story, but she was all smiles and really seemed to have something to be happy about. The other three people, when asked if they'd like a Christmas present, were like "uhh... sure, why not." They really didn't seem to care one way or another. I felt like my money could have been better spent on building wells in Africa. Even though it "felt" as if my kindness were wasted on the three, I hoped the one lady felt loved back by her savior Jesus Christ to whom she sang happy birthday.
Maybe next year, I'll build a well?
dngilb md
On Christmas day we drove downtown and in about 5 minutes gave out the four remaining bags. Of the four people, only one really seemed grateful. She said she began her day by singing happy birthday to her savior. I don't know her story, but she was all smiles and really seemed to have something to be happy about. The other three people, when asked if they'd like a Christmas present, were like "uhh... sure, why not." They really didn't seem to care one way or another. I felt like my money could have been better spent on building wells in Africa. Even though it "felt" as if my kindness were wasted on the three, I hoped the one lady felt loved back by her savior Jesus Christ to whom she sang happy birthday.
Maybe next year, I'll build a well?
dngilb md
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