On my way to food maxx, niece in the backseat. I saw her, in a wheel chair with a sign that said something simple like, "God Bless. Need Food :]"
On a normal day, I would have paid this scene a moments attention. Its common in America to see beggars on street corners. Most are there more for a hustle than out of real need.
However, today didnt turn out to be a normal day. I took that second glance to read her sign.
I immediately thought of the twenty dollar bill in my pocket.
I usually bring my wallet, but it was suppose to be a simple in and out…. So I just grabbed a twenty and left. I felt a gentle nudge to make a scarifice and love on this woman. However, I started to rationalize not being obedient with things like: "But God I only have twenty dollars on me and I have to get all this stuff." I heard a whisper say, "sacrifice." Then I said, "But God shes probably just using people." I heard another whisper say, "It's not all bout her. Even if shes using people, will you do it simply because it pleases me?" In my spirit, I so wanted to do it… I just got butterflies thinking about it… but my flesh was fighting back hard. So I said to myself, "I'll think about it.. lets see how much I have left over once I get all my stuff." So I was getting the few items I needed, and I couldnt get this lady out of my head. So I went to the rice aisle. I heard a whisper, "love on her. pray for her."
With my flesh fighting hard, wanting to be selfish, I made a choice.
I grabbed a bag of rice and beans. Decided to pair the green beans and corn I had in my cart with it, and then grabbed two six packs of top ramen. I didn't have alot but I needed to bless her.
I got to the check hoping it didnt go over twenty dollars. It was $18.45 :]
All of a sudden my heart was overwhelmed with joy and peace. I chose love in the rice aisle. Whether this lady was a hustler or really in need, I chose love with no expectation. I chose it simply because it pleases my papa!
As I drove up to the curb… I felt in my spirit that I had to get out. I couldnt do a drive by and throw the bag of groceries out the window while yelling, "Jesus Loves You!"
I had to get out and ask this lady if I could bless her. I had to get out and ask this lady if I could pray for her. WHAT?!?
So I got out. With a smile on my face I lovingly asked this women if I could bless her with these groceries. She happily said yes! I said its not much but I had to bless you with something. I shook her hand as she said thank you. I had to hold back tears/
Drum roll
Wait
Then I asked her, "Can I pray with you!" This lady's face lite up like a firefly. She said of course, I would love that. I am a christian. I smiled at her trying to really hold back the tears at this point, and let her know I was too. I didntfeel the need to pray for her situation to get better. But I prayed that she would see God's loving arms wrapped around her, and know that hes providing. That hes got her. We shook hands, and I told her I hope she has a blessed day.
As I put on my seatbelt, I saw her looking through the bag with a quivering lip.
I dont know if she will remember this day ten years from now. I dont know what was going on in her head and heart… but I truely believe that she needed to know God hadn't left her. That he sees her situation and is there. I pray that she saw this through my obedience.
If not, its okay.
I would do it again in a heart beat.
Simply because it PLEASES HIM!!!
