Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost

Homeless. What comes to mind when you see that word? Tired, hungry people. Standing by the roadside with a sign. Asking for work, for food. What do you do when you see them? What do you think about when you see them? Do you think maybe they are lazy people, who just don't want to work hard like the rest of us. Or maybe they are just foolish, and deserve to live with their own continued mistakes. Do you pass judgement on them without knowing? Without KNOWING. What have they been through, to get to that point? Who hurt them so much, that they are now considered the dregs of society. We have no right to judge! We don't know their story. They are our fellow human beings. You know, Jesus was homeless. Jesus was often dirty from the dust and grime of travel.

I don't know how to fix this. I don't even really know where to start. But we all need to step up and unite as people. We should help when we see a need, and we should accept help when we need it. Jon and I and the kids have made a pact that whenever we see someone who is hungry that we do not leave them empty. We will try to feed every hungry and hurting person who comes across our path. Especially those we might pass when driving. Don't hesitate to stop and share. Have you ever felt the despair that comes with hunger? Maybe if they just had a free meal given to them out of love, then maybe that would give them the strength to take another step.

I'm going to fill a couple bags with shelf-stable and easy to open foods, and keep them in my van between the front seats. That way when I meet someone who is hungry I will always be able to share, even if I am in a hurry. This is on my heart right now, and maybe that's where it will stay. I'll see where it takes me. I want to make a difference. I want to show Love. What will you do? Please leave a comment and share your ideas on how to help, how to love, and how to unite.

“All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.”

                               -J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring