I struggle each time I see a homeless person standing or sitting by the roadside with their signs. I always say a silent prayer that some how, some way they will find some help and direction in their life. It is a tough decision at times to give money, and some times a tough decision not to. I have done both. I am not hear to argue what others say about these homeless people. I have heard people say that no one should have to beg on the streets with all the shelters and services out there to help. I have heard people say, that some of the people aren't really homeless, it is just a great way to make some good money. I have heard people say, that if you give them money then they are just going to go by cigarettes or beer with it.
Whatever you believe, I still think we need to try and help those around us. Many times, we are the answer to someone's prayer. The ones we need to help may not be homeless at all. They may look the same as you and I, and yet be fighting a terrible personal battle of their own. Maybe our phone call that day, helped them to feel wanted and loved. Maybe it is the stranger on the street, or someone in our neighborhood that needs help. I just feel like more often than not, we need to look at those we come in contact with every day, and see if there is a way that we can be of some help to them. We can pray each day to be guided to those who need us. Don't forget by starting to look at the people in your own home. Everyone is needy at some point in their life. This story below, reminded me of this tonight.
"One cold evening I went to New Delhi Railway station to reserve my ticket for Kolkata. It was too cold, foggy weather; I could not stand outside. I parked my bike near the station counter and I tried to go inside the ticket counter.
Suddenly, I saw a man, trying to get relief from the cold with a torn blanket, on the footpath. He had no hands, no legs, and he was trembling from the cold. He was trying to cover his body with the torn blanket, but he failed every time to do it. He wished for someone to come and help him.
So many people crossed by there, with a smile, to see the scene. I forgot all about the cold and I was whispering to myself, "God, why you are giving so much pain to his handicapped person? Why are you not helping this man?"
Then I suddenly realize that God sent me to help this person and I quickly ran to help him cover his body.
He said, "SUKRIYA BHAISAAB (Thanks)".
It's not a big thing for everybody, but it changed me a lot. God gave me the dream to help poor, handicapped people. I realized one thing that a dream is one thing, which runs human. From that day, I promised myself, whatever it may take, I will help lots... lots... of people to live a happy life.
Here I would like to request everybody, if you see anybody who requires help, don't just pass by. Try to give possible help to them. Maybe God sent you to help them."
http://www.motivateus.com/stories/dptw.htm
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~Anne Frank
"We can do no great things, only small things with great love." ~Mother Teresa
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not. " ~Dr. Seuss
