Food or Cash? Or........

THERE'S A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INTEREST AND COMMITMENT. WHEN YOU'RE INTERESTED IN DOING SOMETHING, YOU DO IT ONLY WHEN IT'S CONVENIENT. WHEN YOU'RE COMMITTED TO SOMETHING, YOU ACCEPT NO EXCUSES - ONLY RESULTS.
                                                                      Ken Blanchard
 (Courtesy of Values.com....Need inspiration? Check this site.)

Are you just interested in helping others, 
or are you committed?

Back to the discussion of whether to give cash or food to the homeless.

This is a topic that's often difficult for people to understand.  Especially for some of the homeless. There are a lot of opinions. Here's an example of something to do for anyone asking for help.

I often listen to Joel Osteen's radio "show" on satellite.  His messages really makes me think.  One day he told a story about driving to a meeting in Houston.....he was running late, was distracted and as always seems to happen to us in these situations, the traffic was horrible.  He came to an intersection frequented by panhandlers and there stood a young man with a sign stating he needed money.  In telling the story Joel laughed and explained that he basically said to himself  "Oh if I can just get through this intersection without having to stop I can avoid this guy - I have nothing to give him."  (How many times have we done that?  Eyes forward....don't make eye contact, certainly don't roll down the window!)  

But because Joel is better than most of us he did roll down his window and explained he literally had no cash on him, but that he wanted him to know the Lord loved him and has a plan for his life.  He invited him to visit Lakewood Church.  

Some time later the man did come to church, he eventually got his life together, finished school, got a job and became a contributing member of the community.  He later saw Pastor Osteen at a service and reminded him of their encounter, explaining that his comment to him on that street corner changed his life.  He told him that his grandmother used to tell him the Lord had a plan for him and at the time Joel saw him on the street his life was a mess....he was homeless, using drugs and alcohol, and estranged from his family. But when Joel spoke to him, something lit in his soul.  He remembered his grandmother's love and belief in him.  He knew he had to turn his life around, and he did.

You usually don't know when deeds or words of encouragement have a positive effect on someone.   Positive and encouraging words can be life changing.

In my next post I'll discuss other options that can benefit those in need.