Whats in your heart will come out in your actions and talk. A story.
This is a story that Ray, one of the guys here in Harlan on the project from Chicago. He talked to R (named protected) at the adult day care center we visited who shared a story that made me upset when I heard it. I think its important to share so that we can remember that our inaction effects others as well as our actions.
His name was R. He
was sitting all alone by the door. As I
talked with him he mentioned that he might normally eat or play the games
(bingo was under way), today he had something that was weighing on his
mind. I asked him if he’d share with me.
He explained that he had a niece with 4 children. This niece was troubled and in and out of
shelters. The most recent shelter had
asked her to leave, putting her on the street to live in her van with her 4
children. He called his sister who lives
in the area and has a big “brick” house with plenty of room and a big
basement. When he asked the sister about
the possibility of helping the niece, he overheard her husband saying ‘tell him
we’ll pray about it’.
He was amazed. Here
was a man who actually preached at their church of 10-20 people who when asked
if he could tangibly help some children in need his response was he’d pray
about it.
Now I’m not sure of the details of the girls life, I’m not
sure of where R stands before God, but he had a clear sense that people that
claim God’s name as followers of Christ need to be active in their faith. That would have spoken volumes to R, but
instead, he’s distressed over the situation and his brother-in-laws response to
a plea for help.
As I left he asked if I’d pray for his niece and her
kids. I told him I’d be happy to do that
and smiled at him and asked if he understood that I was not able to provide
shelter. He smiled. I think he understood the irony. But the lesson he shared was a good reminder
that people are watching to see that our walk is consistent with our talk.
Heres a random picture from today of Casy, me, Doug, Donna, Sue on the stairs that Bob and Phil.
That Guy needs to read 1 jhon 2-3
while I’m here I’m memorizing that and honestly it all makes me think about how many times being able to help someone I din’t do anything about it.