Freelance writer Lupie Riley

Thought: She was thin with gray hair, poorly dressed and looked to be about in her late sixties with deep blue eyes that stood out on her weather beaten wrinkled face. There were obvious sores about her as she stood with her friend that she called her guardian. They both had been on the streets for five years. My friend and I supplied them with our blessing bags filled with basic needs, socks, hat, gloves, washcloth, soap, pad, pens, bible and reminder of how much God loved them and offered them the gift of eternal life, a life and a home (heaven) that was far more glorious then the way they were living.

I'm reminded of how Jesus extended his compassion and loving hand to those in need. The blind, crippled, sick, woman caught in adultery, demon possessed and those with leprosy. His good deeds were too numerous to count. He not only reached out to the down and out but performed countless miracles revealing that he truly was the son of God, Savior of the world whose sole purpose of existence was to save mankind from their sins offering forgiveness and eternal life with Him in Heaven. He was a man with a mission but also God in the flesh.
This was a soul stirring experience for me as I was up close to those who have lost all hope and have destined themselves to living on the street. It seems to be an increasing problem in cities everywhere. It only takes one astronomical medical bill, lost job, addictions or divorce that could put any one of us in this situation of despair. I ask myself, what would Jesus do for those who have lost hope of ever having a better life? I believe He would be walking the streets offering them a helping and healing hand with a loving embrace just like he did when he was here in the flesh over two thousand years ago.

For those of you who by faith have received Christ into your heart He is there in Spirit to help you play it forward and bring his blessings to those around you by your kind deeds to others. It wouldn't necessarily be with blessing bags but a word of encouragement to someone who is hurting, warm coats to a family in need or comfort for those who have suffered loss of a loved one. There are many ways in which we can share Jesus blessings with others. Just ask Him to lead the way. Maranatha

Prayer: Father God, thank you for opening my eyes to the plight of the homeless and the opportunity to extend your Word and blessing to them offering the hope of a better life with you. I never want to be like those who turned away from the injured man but more like the good Samaritan who went out of his comfort zone to help someone in need. Amen

Verse: II Cor. 1:3-4 "Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. v4 Who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.",

Married 58 years, four children, nine grandchildren and three greats.  I've been a freelance writer for over 40 years.  Working on a book at the present.  My priorities are God first, family, country. Look me up on Google search by my name Lupie Riley, click on first link. Faithwriters.com