She sat slumped,
in a jumbled heap of clothes,in cold late evening air,
on city pavement edge.
Elated and joyful,
I walked past with my son
at my side.
I glanced at her
for a single second,
my heart hardened by countless
beggars already encountered,
waving paper cups for loose change.
She didn't ask me for anything,
just looking straight ahead.
I didn't want to look for longer.
How could I respond to so much need
on city streets?
I had no home there to take her to.
I had no significant money to give.
If I gave anything,
would it feed an addiction?
Her image burned into my mind,
as I choose in that second
not to respond at all.
I was not the Good Samaritan,
or even a slightly open hearted one.
I failed in my humanity.
I judge myself to have fallen short
of Christ's call,
but I don't judge her.
God spoke to me
through her silent form.
How do I truly show His love,
and not just walk on by?
This real life encounter caused true grief in my heart that I had chosen the option of doing nothing. I could have asked her if I could get her something to eat, or I could have given her the money I did have. I could have asked her what her name was and introduced myself. Fear and apathy won, and I felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit. I could have asked the Lord to show me how to respond to her, and I know He would have faithfully answered. Lord please help us not to just walk on by, but listen to your Holy Spirit about what we can do.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarah, for your honesty. I can relate. Bless you x
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