Saturday, October 11, 2008

Ranting and Raving...Maybe?

So it is a Friday night the fall chill is in the air, and you can finally see your breath! Portland is recuperating from a week of its popular rain and slight wind storms, so the sidewalks appear to have colorful quilts on them...of leaves of course. I am a conservative middle class Jesus Follower who wants to ultimately see people have a relationship with Jesus. Is that to much to ask? My sis and I drive the hour to down town, picking up a few socks, and hygiene items before we approach the beautiful city lights. We meet in a building with friends and strangers all with one purpose...hopefully...bringing hope... and meeting practical needs. Some appear ecstatic, others a bit afraid and timid, others are like the 60-70 year old man who can't hold in his love and passion for Jesus. We approach the bridge with excitement, and meet the guests with love. So many wanting blankets and sleeping bags, others just wanting a hot meal, some just wanting to talk with someone to be accepted, to be loved, to be apart of society. How did they get there? Some are from other places just passing through, others are Oregonians who just could not make ends meat. Then there are those who are products of our decaying society who were making enough for you and me to live off of, but could not continue to live up to the high stresses that that life brings. Young and old, married or single, brown, white, black, or yellow, strait or homosexual, THEY ARE ALL PRECIOUS IN His SIGHT! They are all searching, all needing a warm meal and a blanket. Some are like the pregnant mother stoked to have a place to stay, even though it is filled with mice and bugs, it's not on the street, or they are like the 33 year old man who is trying to find a job, but has to live on the street for now. So many stories, so many faces, so many NAMES! They are surprisingly friendly after being kicked out of here or there, being called this or that not knowing if they would wake up alive as they sleep outside in the elements and among others who are not so friendly. As I leave there is a new quilt on the streets this time made up of blankets and sleeping bags, tarps and cardboard boxes, my new found friends hunkering down for the night, trying to keep warm and in legal spots of the city. Maybe processing the message of hope they heard from someone, or simply thankful they got a sleeping bag or blanket for that night at least.
1 John 3:17 But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?