1 John 5:4 (King James Version)
4For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
I had to read this over repeatedly today because today I must admit I felt upset and defeated. I was leaving Best Buy in Homewood and a little boy approahed me and asked me for spare change. I asked him what he wanted the money for and he said "I'm trying to get some food." I proceeded to walk with him around the corner to McDonalds when 4 of his buddies, who were all in the street asking for change, walked up and asked me for change. At that point I asked them where they lived, they responded, "the Homewood Hotel." Homewood, Illinois a quaint south suburb comprised of middle class families and small town old fashioned American values. I then asked them where there mother was and they said she was out trying to find a job. I admit that I was heartbroken thinking that five little boys aged 10-13 were out dirty and begging on a summer day. I started asking how myself how could this be? Who could let this happen to these kids? Why was there no one helping them and why would every car just look and drive by them with total disdain? I then began to think about the millions of other children across the world who deal with poverty and hunger and I couldn't shake the defeated feeling.
I broke out the Iphone and went on Biblegateway.com to do some internal spiritual warfare.
I had to find this scripture to remind me that as a believer of Jesus Christ I am born to overcome this world. I am fearfully and wonderfully made and through Christ, who is my strength, I can make an impact. I spent time with the little boys and encouraged them to do their best in school and 4 Big Macs and 3 McNugget meals later I parted ways thinking of ways to impact our people. Those of us who know better much teach those who don't better! We have to partner to make impact on our people. I don't know... I know I'm not perfect, but God is perfecting me every day and that process will continue until I die. I do know that we are called to live in victory through Christ. We are called to be over-comers of all things.. addiction, sickness, hunger, poverty, and oppression. WE ARE CALLED!
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6 comments:
So I wrote this really long reply and it ate my comment =(
"For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required" - Luke 12:48b
Too many of us that God has blessed immensely do not live by this passage. We are charged to love our neighbor, yet many of us do not perform charity, or help our fellow man. God has given all of us many talents, and we are supposed to use them to glorify Him, people are quick to use their talents on their jobs, or as a hobby, but we don't think of how we can help others. Some of us have a talent for fundraising, that talented should be used to aid non profits that are in our communities trying to eradicate the many negative forces we face. Those of us who have musical talents could get together and hold a benefit concert. Some of us are great negotiators we could use that to volunteer at policy meetings and have direct input into the policies that shape our communities, and many times hold them back. There are many more examples, but until more of us take the time out to "buy 5 little boys a meal" our community will continue to face the problems it faces, and we may lose our talents....
You never know...but what you did may have given those boys hope.
I take your story as a reminder of what we should do as Christians....that's a great example.
I get tired when Christian get the negative view of being the biggest judges and hypocrites....but better yet we can say.....we are doing God's work and being led by HIM...
Now where Niela..she's my AMEN corner..lol.
That is great. I am glad that you cared enough to stop and talk versus dismiss and walk away. Especially for young black males. They are out trying to get food while their MOTHER is looking for a job. That is great that they had a male, an African American male role model to take time for them as well as talk to them. That was great :)
Life is symbolic in its very nature. Many different things happen to you and around you all the time that can drastically change your path in life. I believe in the course of these events others can be greatly affected by your actions as well, positively or negatively.
With that being said, it is important to understand this and do the best you can in your life to positively affect others. Definitely in the case of your friends and family, but especially when it comes to others you do not know, because they may need it most.
That's real big of you to do, theres no telling how much that changed their day and eased the load on their Mother's efforts as well. Live Godly and reap his benefit of equal kindness on you, both in life and after.
Yes.. its so much going on nowadays....
I am happy you experienced this.. its important - so on the days when you feel defeated or down.. you know that someone else has it tougher -
I don't know why these issues are still plaguing the US .... I mean.. we are bldg up Iraq with no qualms....but we have homelessness..and other major issues-
Jeff, I hope you instilled in them the importance of education.... its the only to make it nowadays.....
ha! i got you dominique. i told jeff we can only do what we know in our heart as compassionate people who also happen to be Christian so our calling is even higher and our tug on our spirit stronger. i said that in that manner bc there are many people who are "just good people" and do not live by the example and teachings of Jesus Christ but may have done the same thing. but as Christians we absolutely could not have kept walking, or say "that isnt any of my business" as the folks who walk right pass do every single day. why wouldnt someone take interest in some young impressionable Black boys who were not responsible for the world they were born into... Christians, we have to continue to live by the idea that is by God's blessings that we are mandated to be a blessing to someone else!! now lets do it! :)
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