The minute it rains here in So Cal, which is about how long the average
rainfall lasts, the number of those that come out and declare how much they love
rain is overwhelming. Or really underwhelming, so I suggest “why don’t you move
to Portland, it rains all the time?” Which usually is returned by a facial
expression, which after 24 hours of said love of precipitation, is turned to
“when is the sun coming back?” Which readily identifies them as a native of So
Cal. Same thing with the cooler fall weather, “I love the cold,” read as 55-60
degrees, so “why don’t you move to Alaska?” Which by the time it hits the 70’s
by noon, all vestiges of love of the cold are gone....welcome to the hard life
of So Cal weather.
So riding in the mountains around Idyllwild yesterday, we had fall weather,
mid 60’s, and it felt great, but the 82 in Banning felt better. No threat of
moving, causing me to be reminded of why I live here-great weather for year
around riding. But having lived where it got up to –10 sometimes, and where the
car would regularly freeze to the road, I have been in cold temps, an although I
miss the mountains sometimes, have no plans to move back...and as far as the
rain, every year on Torches we would look for the perfect small town that
doesn’t have winter, and found we already lived there, San Diego. Where the
weatherman should have the easiest job, just look out the window and say sunny
and warm. How could they screw that up, you ask? Watch tonight and see, then
you’ll get it. But that doesn’t mean that you cannot be cold, even in San
Diego, if you live on the streets.
Working with those who help the homeless, this time of year when you put on
your flannel sheets, or an extra blanket, some still build fires this early,
those on the street get cold. And right now the biggest demand is for blankets,
jackets, and shoes. Things we take for granted, but that can make a person’s
existence, their daily survival that much better. Imagine not being tucked into
your warm bed, but laying under some cardboard, cold, hard ground under you, and
maybe a bag of trash as a pillow. “I’m tough, I camp,” you say, but then add
the danger of having your few belongings robbed by another, or hassled by the
cops and all your possessions confiscated...different story. And no smell of
bacon and eggs on the campfire, the sun comes up and you try to find a place
that give out free meals, or dig through the trash-again, or go begging. One
day the same as the next, the same as the one before...just trying to
survive...and repeat every night, anyone willing to change places?
A few years ago we started working with the homeless, and find out many
times they are just like us, except for a bad decision. No family, friends, or
job to rescue them, they are out on the street. And many don’t wish to deal
with them, although one gracious woman telling me after coming out of Anthony’s
and telling about her great fish dinner, told me of her compassion for the
homeless, “ I hugged him and told him ‘God bless you,” what a humanitarian. But
many refuse to get the fact that except for the grace of God, go I. Safe in the
thought that that could never happen to me....until it does.
Jesus made many profound statements, but one that takes no faith to believe
is He said “the poor will always be among us.” Taken on many levels, it can
mean the broken hearted, desperate, the broke, or those who have nothing. And
they are everywhere. And are often greeted with crude words like “why don’t you
get a job?” Well why don’t you hire them? Remember how hard it was for you,
and you had an address, phone number, references, clean clothes, and a resume.
What do the homeless use for a return phone number? Where do they shower and
shave? Hmmm, never thought of it like that.
So Jesus has created the church to help them, to feed them, clothe them,
provide shelter, and guidance. But many times are just overwhelmed, or
unprepared, or even don’t want to help-“when they get cleaned up, then they can
attend here.” All in the name of Jesus. And when they failed, the government
moved in with various welfare programs, and today it is out of hand, food stamps
are epidemic and misused. I used to watch them get a $100 check and cash it
early at the Safeway in Durango, before they had any other food stamps for
change, getting cash. Then go next store to the liquor store and buy booze.
But I have also seen a mother try to feed her family on that same $100, and come
up short. And I have been there, when one time we received a $20 gift, and went
crazy at the grocery store buying potatoes and hot dogs, and having change
back-God multiplied it. So today I am asking you for two things-both based on
compassion, and the love of Jesus. Consider donating clothes and food to the
ministries that provide these services. We have a food bank at Maranatha, and
all clothes go to Such as I Have where we give the clothes away free. We need
blankets, backpacks, socks, jackets, and sweaters, and shoes. Every week, as
they get used and thrown away...no laundramats for the homeless either. Food is
stuff that can be eaten without heating, snack type stuff. And soft foods, as
many have few or no teeth, it has to be gummed before it can be swallowed. And
ask your pastor, and if you don’t do these things yet, start a drive to do
them. Feed the poor, clothe them, and show them the love of Jesus in action.
They will listen to what you say, when they see how much you care.
I hear it’s going to be cold tonight again, the 50’s, do you have your
winter sheets on yet? Fireplace ready to go? Good, they are blessings from
God, now go bless those as you have been blessed. It is almost Thanksgiving,
show how much you are thankful by how much you can give...and even more.
Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for another, or to clothe,
feed, and provide shelter for them. In giving you will tell us more about Jesus
in your life than you may want us to know. So bring things, but more
importantly bring yourself. Spend some time reading to some homeless kids-they
don’t get to go to school. Provide transportation as needed, serve through the
church. But get out and do something-Jesus also tells the first shall be last,
and the last shall be first. You never know who your heavenly neighbor will be,
how would you like to live next to you? Give until it hurts, then give some
more. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few..be a worker and reap
great benefits from a Father in heaven who is watching. Oh, and by the
way-bikers can become homeless too. Poverty knows no boundaries, what
boundaries are holding you back? Sleep well-if you can.
love with compassion,
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com