Passion for the Poor

I just wanted to post a quick thought. I know that most of the places that we live have incredible services for the poor. I know when you walk past people begging you think, they could work, they want to buy beer, they are lying. I want to challenge you to think about the other side of that... You are probably right. I beg you to remember though that every person you meet is fighting a battle. Imagine the first time that person hit the streets to beg... It was probably not because they thought it would be a good time. We don't know every mans story, but we know what we can do. Lately I have been cooking a little extra and taking it downstairs to the punk ids who are begging on my street. Sometimes I do give them money, if they buy beer - OH WELL. As a human, it is not my job to impose my morals on someone, simply to consider their need. A lot of times I give a little bit of money and some bread and juice. I try to stop, talk and LISTEN. I have no idea if it is making a difference, but I know that it is love, and EVERYONE could use a little more love.

Here are some practical ideas of how you can serve the poor in your area, you don't have to do all of them, or any of them, but find your way and do it with your heart.

1) Carry peanut butter crackers, a juice box, or some easily give-able snack.
2) If someone is begging outside of a store, grab a big water and some fruit or bread to them when you leave.
3) If you are baking bread or cookies, set a few aside and give something homemade to a familiar street person.
4) Clean out your pantry and give the excess to Caritas.
5) Volunteer to serve a couple of times a year at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter.
6) Next time someone asks you for money ask them their story.
7) Involve children or teenagers in whatever you decide to do, establishing a value for considering others in the next generation is crucial.
8) Organize a neighborhood or apartment food drive.
9) Next time you grab a coffee downtown, grab 2 - I bet you won't have to go far to find someone who doesn't get a Venti coffee of the day very often, and who will REALLY appreciate some coffee.
10) Flex your compassion muscle, think of the last time you were really hungry, really down or really in need and then look at the person in front of you through that lens.