Lets get something straight first… I am NOT the irresponsible type. I don't put myself in vulnerable situations but I am also not the fearful type. I was having another completely RESPONSIBLE moment in which I gave a stranger a ride.
I walked into Starbucks to order my coffee and there happened to be a man talking to one of the baristas; of course I barely noticed as I ordered my iced coffee with two pumps of pumpkin and a scoop of vanilla bean (YUM). The man left and shortly after, one of the managers walked out from the back. Half teasing, she said, "DJ, that man needs a ride. Go take him where he needs to go!" I grabbed my keys and ran out the door, saying I'd be back for my coffee. I offered him a ride and walked the old man (who was no threat and could barely walk) to my car. I helped him in, still not realizing at this moment that… he didn't speak English. Seriously?! We got horribly lost and what should have been literally a two minute drive turned into over thirty minutes! We finally made it to the pharmacy, finished some grocery shopping, and got him back to his bus route in time to get home. When I got back to Starbucks, there were some not-so-happy friends, and one very protective and loving big sister and brother. But all this made me think…
If I had that same situation happen on the world race or out on any other labeled "mission", would it have been a big deal? Would it have seemed out of the ordinary to tell that story from what we call "the mission field"? If these small acts are out of the ordinary for us here, then maybe we should take a step back. This should be everyday life.
Many of you have probably heard of Heidi Baker's AMAZING campaign "Stopping for the One", which is basically stopping and doing anything you can for that ONE person. The little one with the little need that isn't being met. We can't daydream about going far away and doing these things, stopping for the one, loving on people if we can't do it here. I can guarantee that someone today, right under your nose, has a need that's not being met. Maybe they need a ride, food, or even just someone to ask them their name and have a genuine conversation with another human being! Yes, I am asking for support constantly for this, because I know this is where I am being led in the new season of my life, but please don't just support me, live this with me! Stop for the one, meet the need, and live in your mission field.
