What keeps us from talking to strangers? Our parents told us not to when we were a kids…. yes this is true. Are we afraid of being rejected or looked at weirdly? Do we feel we have to give them money or buy them something?
When I was on a road trip home from Texas last January, I remember walking right past a man, too nervous to talk to him because I knew he had a mental illness.
Last summer, I remember walking out of a local coffee shop, Durango Coffee Company, and seeing a homeless women. She had a sign and was hungry. I didn’t stop because I felt like I didn’t have the time or money to give her.
I felt convicted. Did I really consider myself a Christian and yet I was scared to say “Hi” because of a silly illness or scared to ask how someone’s day was because I “didn’t have the time or money” after I just spent $5 on myself for something I could have lived without?
Last week my team was assigned to dig up a tree and clear branches from a hillside. A man, Ariel, was riding past on a bicycle and stopped to help us. We ended up having a bees nest in the branches and he just so happens to be a bee keeper. God sent Ariel to help that us day. He was generous with his time and was willing to talk to strangers. He helped us with hours of free labor and taught me to be generous with my time and knowledge.
Last weekend, I went into town on the island to get supplies for a women’s retreat we are hosting and to get Wifi to face time my parents. As I was walking around shopping with a few of my team mates, I said “Hola” to a man we passed. He was wearing ripped clothes and looked parched. We stopped and our Spanish speaking team mate conversed with him. Salomon was his name and he didn’t want our money but told us about his hurt leg and how he was thirsty. I filled up his power aid bottle with my water and we offered to buy him food. I was reminded that if we wish someone to “‘go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but do nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. ” (James 2:16-17)
When we returned from the store with food for him, we sat in the street and prayed for his leg and for God’s continued providence. We sat and talked with Salomon for a little while. He had a mental illness, but I know God created him with a purpose. He was in need of essentials, and God asked us to provide for him in that way through our money, resources, and time.
God reminded me to listen when the Spirit nudges me to talk to someone and to be generous in giving, “for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) God has blessed me with my finances so I can trust Him to continue to provide. Don’t be fooled, I’m not perfect. I’m still working on these, but God’s teaching me and I am learning to be obedient.
So have you thought about it? Have you done a random act of kindness today? Have you gone out of your way to just say hi? Maybe it will turn into something larger that God is just waiting for us to pick up and realize.
I get to see my parents this next week! Monday starts a week on the Race called PVT (Parent Vision Trip). They will be flying in this weekend to Nicaragua and we will be doing ministry together, along with several other racers and their parents. I am excited to invite my parents into what has been my life for the last 7 months. Prayers for safe travel and an all over Amazing week would be appreciated!
