I’ve been thinking.

Don’t laugh! I know what you might be saying! lolol… I do a LOT of “thinking”! ……As I have been speculating how many people have lost their homes, jobs, or on the verge, due to this long year of lockdown and strange circumstances we have lived with during Covid19. Even in our vibrant community, small businesses have struggled – some have shut down after years of building a wonderful rapport with the area.

Sad. Reality. Truth. How do we change and help?

There have been a few times in my life, when I knew of family who needed a place to stay. My husband and I agreed, since we had the space, even in the inconvenience of it all, they moved in with us while they got back on their feet. It’s what we are suppose to do. Yet, sadly, the majority of people don’t help – especially when it comes to having someone live with you. Why is that? What are people afraid of? Reality? Others might see how we live on the inside? Shame? Selfishness?

I’m afraid that our culture has become just that. Private. Never be inconvenienced.

As I pondered more on the subject, I realized that those who haven’t much to offer are the ones who will share the most. Those with the big houses, money, cars etc tend to keep their lives tidy within their agenda, not wanting anything to upheaval their schedule and lifestyle. Think about it…. other that throwing money at someone, do those you know help in big ways – ways that put their lives aside for the sake of someone else?

Here’s what God says about HOSPITALITY:

Acts 16 verse 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.

Luke 14 12 Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Luke 14 7 When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: 8“When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. 9 If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. 10 But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. 11 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

The list can go on and on…. at the end of the day, ask God : Who can YOU help today? If someone is in need of a place to say, bring them in, give them food and a pillow. Help by sharing with wisdom and prayer while they get stronger and options open up. God will richly bless you more than you know!