A Gift Of Hope

As I drive to work each morning, she is there at the same place, at the same time, with a dirty blanket covering her from head to toe. She is sleeping on a hard cement bench at a bus stop, I wonder to myself what does she dream about, what was her life like before, does she still have Hope, or has she completely given up. One afternoon after work I passed her once again, I see her face for the first time, she is sitting on the same bench, her blanket tucked away in a little dirty suitcase beside her as if she is waiting , what is she waiting for. Maybe she's just Hoping, but what is she Hoping for.. Lord, she is someone's daughter, sister, or mother, but most of all she is your child.

He is there once again, at the same place each morning, in the same position, with the same look in his eyes. A look that speaks louder than words, that silently pierces a heart, eyes that seem to have some Hope left. What position is he in? he stands with his left hand held out, not flatten, but folded up a bit as if whatever he Hopes to receive will remain safe and secure. He doesn’t go up to the cars begging, he doesn’t hold a sign that says will work for food, he just stands there in silence Hoping.

I listen to the cries of hopelessness, despair, fear, desperation as well as frustration, when I pick up the phone at work . People needing help, right now, right at that moment, they don’t know where their next meal will come from, or how they will feed their families. They are on the verge of being evicted and fear being homeless, their electricity will be, or has been disconnected. The elderly are so overwhelmed and express just how tired they are in between their sobs. These are just some of the stories people share, the list of needs grow more and more everyday.

There are times when I have to take a break and go into the restroom because my eyes fill with tears. I know there are paperwork and procedures they must go through, there are qualifications and appointments required, but how can you tell someone who is so desperate that they have to go through all of that. It is at that moment that I hear the Lord speak to my heart as he reminds me about the weight of the world that was upon his shoulders when his outstretched hands were nailed to the cross. The weight that weighed him down, even as he made his way to the cross despite the heaviness of it all. I pray and say Lord, I can’t do anything personally to help these callers in need but my heart can't help but feel their pain.

I hear him gently speak and he says..

When all you can do is pray.. Just pray.
When all you can do is listen.. Just listen.
When all that you say may not be what they want to hear at that moment.. Just be gentle, kind, and compassionate, for it’s not what you say ,but how you say it that can make a difference.

When all you can do is cry.. it's okay, I’ll cry with you.
When you have tried your best.. leave the rest with me, and pray that they will find me through their struggles and hardships. Remember Lorie you found me through your hardships and struggles, I was your hope, and I’ll be theirs as well, and I say…

Yes Lord.. I remember, and I wipe my tears and I thank him for filling me with more of his love, kindness, gentleness, compassion, and most of all his words of hope.

My Prayer.. Lord, people need you now more than ever, all we have to do is look around us and see the hardships and struggles. During this time of giving of gifts, let us give a different kind of gift this year to someone in need. Let us give gifts of love, compassion, kindness, gentleness, and your words of hope. Help us to find ways to give of ourselves whether it's through volunteering to feed the homeless, helping a needy family, handing out a warm blanket or a hot cup of coffee. If each one of us can just touch one person what a difference we can make in spreading your love and hope.

Amen.

Visit Spiritual Sundays

and read other inspirational posts.