Whenever I see a person begging on a street corner, I have the feeling that their life is broken. Not simply that the question is whether or not I should give them a dollar or a few, but I am mainly overcome by the idea that they really need a major intervention in their life to get it to a better place. The story of the good Samaritan showed what the most amazing response to our neighbor can be, when we see them in need.

Then my next thought is that in the rich country of the United States, there are layers of social services intended to help people who have fallen on hard times. So, really, to help this person in a big way, one perhaps should set them up with a contact for an organization that can really help them. Although, this is just my vague feeling. But, if we don’t always have a perfect answer, still there are lots of organizations that can be helpful. Churches, food pantries, shelters, etc. So, I really feel like helping them most would be to give them a contact card, perhaps to allow them to use my phone or give them a ride to some place. But, to my shame, I only have this belief, and I don’t know how to really help. But we live in a fantastic time where information is at our fingertips. Reading this article today convicted me to take at least a simple step. I “Googled” the question — “How to help the homeless”.

This took me to the website: https://urm.org/ which is the site for Union Rescue Mission.

That seems to be a great resource. I will think about this the next time I see a person with a “please help” sign on a street corner. Perhaps I can take more effective action.

Brett, thank you for your kind feedback.

Thank you so much for your kind words. I looked at your blog and it looks like you are doing some really important work. I am glad to know about it!

Sorry I did not find it sooner.

I am so blessed.

Hey, I post on this stuff all the time. I recently posted on this exact topic.
https://fatbeggars.wordpress.com/2016/04/02/why-all-the-worry-about-giving-a-few-dollars/

I hope you will check it out.

Meanwhile I will look over yours for more blessings…

Thanks,

Agent X
Fat Beggars School of Prophets
Lubbock, Texas (USA)

Thank you for posting. My wife has really focused on this verse a lot recently. It is incredibly convicting!

So: You done quit preachin and gone to meddlin.

Thank you!

Been rolling around in my head lately.