loving out loud

There are a lot of people in this country and in this world who have great needs. Some are homeless while others simply struggle to put food on the table. And many people think it's not their problem.

But the truth is that this world will be a much better place when we start concerning themselves with the needs of the people around us. I remember a homeless woman living in Malden when I was just a young boy. Her name was Norma. She was a widow with no place to live. I remember visiting Norma with my mom a few times. I think she moved around, but she spent many nights in an old abandoned parking lot in Malden square. I remember my mom making an extra plate of food and bringing it down for her to eat. I don't remember how often we did this, but I felt like it was often. The point is that I was blessed to have a mom who actually did something about it.

I was not surprised to learn recently that my mother was starting a new ministry directed toward the homeless in a particular motel in Malden. During the Christmas season, she put together care packages for many children. She made sure they had hats and mittens as well as some fun things to do (like coloring books). I wish I could say that I have grown up to care as much as my mother, but I can't. It's not that I don't care, but that I don't care enough.

I mean, sure, I pray for people who have needs. But most of my prayers involve other people helping them out. I haven't gotten personally involved. There's an old saying that says, "Sometimes we're so heavenly minded that we're no earthly good." James warns us in his letter (the book of James in the Bible) that we need to act in love. Faith without works is dead, he said. And it's true. When I see someone without a coat, I can either just pray...or pray and give them a coat. Why not show acts of kindness? Here's a poem I was inspired to write a couple of years ago:

I walk down the street, there are people all around

I try to avoid their eyes, mine are looking to the ground

I think, "If I don't look at them, I cannot hear them plead

And I won't be responsible to help them with their needs"

Still I hear a beggar plead, but i will not look up

I walk far around him, with no offering for his cup

I walk into a diner to grab a bite to eat

I order myself a sandwich and grab a window seat

As I look out the window, I finally see the homeless man

I look at him with pity, as he holds his empty can

His clothes are tattered and torn, it is hard to believe

I feel so bad for him as I finish my food and leave

I walk out the diner and see the man sitting on the ground

I can't believe no one's helping him, there are people all around

I continue on my way, walking down the street

My eyes quickly find their focus, looking down at my feet

A little further down the street, I hear a woman cry

She tries to call out to me, tears flowing from her eyes

I say, "I'm sorry ma'am, but I'm really in a rush"

I look right into her eyes, and I can see she's crushed

I remind myself that I have my own problems to worry about

I tell myself that her problems are not for me to work out

So I keep on walking, my eyes finally begin to search

I start to see familiar signs; finally, I'm at my church

And I made it just in time for prayer, to go get on my knees

I pray, "Dear God, please give me some opportunities

To be a witness and share my faith whatever comes my way

Help me Lord to spread your light and love you more this day."

God replies to me, and I can barely hear his voice

He says, "I've given you opportunities, you have made your choice

I put two people in your way, two of my children who had needs

And you kept your eyes down to the ground and avoided their pleas

You say that you love me, but you haven't lived it out

You're idea of love is superficial, and that's not what love's about

Next time you walk down the street and are walking amidst a crowd

I want you to stop and look at their needs, and start loving out loud

I don't want to be that person who overlooks others' problems while spewing out my excuses any more. My friend Tony preached about this a few days ago. The sermon reminded me what I already knew I need to be doing. In response, I am giving myself until the end of March to find a practical way to get involved on a regular basis. I encourage you all to do the same too. Let's love out loud!