Walk Around Cash

As I left and headed to accomplish my assignment in the dreary cold, I walked by a man who looked homeless outside the store.   

As I passed, he said something to me that I couldn’t clearly make out, so I stopped and turned back to him. Sure, he looked rough, but it appeared that he had plenty of layers on, a solid clean coat, and three big shopping bags that looked like they were full of food. Not too bad off, I thought. He said he needed money to catch a bus back to Memphis. “Sure you do,” I thought. Because I was cold and trying to get my errand completed and bring the car up for Susan, I simply blew him off by saying that when I came back by, if I had some cash, I would try to help him.  

"When you help the least of these," I thought to myself. The ironic thing was that at our stop prior to this one, I requested cash back, and when I was asked why, I simply said, "To give it away." I like to be able to fill a need when I see it. I knew I would help him if he was there in a few minutes, but in my arrogance, I was sizing up his need. He had clothes and food, and surely there were others who needed it more. I can be a real turd sometimes.  

When I returned, I stopped and talked to him. I realized he struggled to speak English clearly, he hadn't seen soap in a while, and those grocery bags weren't full of food, but a blanket, change of clothes, and other things he needed for survival. He had very little but an overgrown beard, dirty clothes, weathered skin, sorrow in his eyes, and a smile on his face. And God loves him every bit as much as me. My heart changed, I gave him some cash and watched as he meandered off to catch the bus, just as he said. 

"Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?' 'And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'" (Matthew 25:37-40)

Too often, we neglect to help out of judgment, lack of preparation, or stinginess.

Too often, we neglect to help out of judgment, lack of preparation, or stinginess. It's no coincidence that God put on my heart to grab some cash and then immediately put someone in front of me who needed it. I'm embarrassed to admit that it took me two swings to hit that pitch. Abundant generosity and kindness are being generous and kind to God.  

This season, try walking around with a little extra cash in your pocket with the express intent to give it away. Whether it's a few $1's or $20's, it doesn't matter, just as you are able. You will be shocked at all the people you notice. And don't question or judge, that's too much pressure, and it isn't your call. Just give joyfully. You will also be shocked that no matter how dreary and cold it is outside, your heart will be warm, and you will see the Son.