Please buy me some food. I don't want money…
Please could you buy me some food. I don't want money. My immediate reflex as I heard this was to say 'sorry' and look away as most people did.
Today, on a chilly morning, I walk swiftly to ensuring I’m not late for a meeting. As I jump over puddles and slide by slow paced pedestrians, I stumble upon a grim, middle aged woman standing on the side of the road. Along her side was a cheap luggage bag on top of a baby stroller. With her feeble voice she calls out to passersby:
Please could you buy me some food. I don’t want money.
My immediate reflex as I heard this was to say “sorry” and look away as most people did. In my mind my prejudice overtook my thinking shouting out that she doesn’t really need it. Similar to other people on the streets asking for money – looking to buy drugs, drinks or just to get free money.
Okey, okey… I know what you’re thinking! “Not everyone is like that”. Yes, I know. I know genuine homeless people on the streets who need the money to live. Although, over the years I’ve also gotten to know some familiar faces on the streets who use the money of generous people to buy themselves drugs and alcohol. I’ve followed some people in the past to see what they really do with my money. Me just being curious…
This time it was different; yet I swiftly passed by – blinded & consumed by my own life.
The next twenty steps to the end of the street was mentally the longest it has taken me to walk the same distance. A flood of thoughts rushed my mind as one part of me justified my actions to soothe my conscience while the other half battled against it. I stood at the end of that street glimpsing back at her through the motion of busy commuters. Still being ignored by everyone. I stood there for 2 mins. My mind and heart fought against each other.
I looked away – continued my journey…
During the next few steps my heart exploded. These words of Jesus resonated through my body:
For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink… Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.
Matthew 25:42-46
Followed by “Why do you judge her by looks?”…
Wow.
I stopped. Does it matter if she really needs it or not? Why do I judge her? Did I just create an excuse for myself to ignore someone? Does that really justify me not helping? Isn’t that what everyone passing by are thinking?
I ran back to her. “Hi, what would you like?”. She replied, “I don’t want money. I’ve 5 kids at home – just some beans, eggs and maybe some soup”.
I immediately went to the Tesco across the road. Zooming around the aisles to realise that I don’t know where they are typically placed in a store… After a brief search, I found the canned beans. Prices vastly ranging. Small or large. Single or a pack. Growing up God had taught me to give the very best to Him and for others. Not acting in selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility valuing others first (Philippians 2:3-4). I grabbed the best of what I could wholeheartedly gift her: the best 4 pack of canned beans, a large crate of eggs and two boxes of quick soup that should serve 12.
Going back to where she stood, I slowly handed her everything with a gentle smile. She slowly smiled back with the words – “Thank you. Jesus bless you.”
With my heart humbled and filled with love I turn my way slowly and gently… I probably won’t see her again or ever find out anything about her. I continue with my journey in life knowing that I did my part in her journey of life. With genuine love.
Looking back, it seems so simple. Something I should have done in the first place without any hesitations. If it was a year or two ago I know I would have done that. I’ve noticed that as we grow older, we build walls around ourselves. Looking out for our interested and our own comfort first before the needs of others. What happened to the heart of the child who would have given the only candy he had to a stranger just because they asked for it? The heart that did not judge by looks or even question the fact that someone needed help…
We don’t have to let others take advantage of us; but at the same time let’s be willing to get our hands dirty and kill our prejudices, jump out of our comfort zone, sacrifice and genuinely love like Jesus did.
You and I are the light to this world – carrying the light that Jesus brought into the world.
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
Hebrews 13:2
If I’d ever get to see her again, I’d ask for her name… and the names of her 5 children…
