Remember the Poor

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving in Nashville with our son this past week.  Since we enjoy going to movies together, we decided to see ‘The Blind Side.’  Oh my…how this movie stirred my heart and rekindled my desire to make a real difference in someone’s life.

My most favorite time of ministry was when I worked as a volunteer at Target Dayton, a ministry to the poor and homeless in Dayton, OH.  Every Friday morning I’d go very early to make breakfast.  Friday was French Toast day and I was affectionately known as one of the ‘French Toast Flippers!’  I became very proficient at mixing a mean batch of batter and frying up some pretty darn scrumptious French Toast.

But what really stole my heart was the people whom we served, especially the women.  I learned very quickly that, but for the grace of God, go I. None of us get to choose our parents.  Had I been born to a mother who was poor and addicted to drugs or alcohol, I would be no different than those whom we served.  I learned much about the depth of God’s love, grace and forgiveness while leading a Bible study with 5 of the women.

My heart once again stirred with a deep desire to help the poor, we visited the Nashville Rescue Mission the day after Thanksgiving.  What an amazing ministry.  Reminded me of Paul’s words in Galatians 2:10, “All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.”

Are you looking for something that will give you deep, lasting fulfillment?  Trust me, my friend.  You won’t find it in a store, you won’t find it on sale, you won’t find it in a bottle, and you won’t find it in pill form.  Step outside your comfort zone and help the poor.  You won’t be sorry you did.