Happy Sunday to you all. It is a wonderful day for change, laughter, and new memories. The Christian walk is a humbling walk, but I’m not alone in my journey, trials, tears and triumphs, because I team up every 4th Sunday with such an amazing group of women who share what God has placed in their heart too. I am talking about the online magazine, Putting On the New,  with mixed-media artist and author Cherie Burbach. It is about serving God, but doing it together–no matter how far apart we are.

If you are interested in reading other articles by these courageous women, click here.

Enjoy this Article: Open Your Hands

Picking up groceries, mid-week, has become a normal ritual of mine.  On this particular day I had struggled with how full my day was so, after exercising I decided to make a quick trip for some small supplies. I remember being so tired and just wanting to get home and relax, but I should have known that God had a plan due to me being in such a rush. I am still learning in my Christian walk to not occupy my schedule with so much, because when God has something for me to do I find that I don’t have the time. Many believers find themselves telling God to use them, but when He tries our calendars are already packed with activities. We fail to wait for God’s plans so we create our own agenda hoping to find where we belong in the meantime. In this pursuit we often emotionally bankrupt ourselves; wasting precious energy, tears, and time on things that God has told us not to worry about or pursue, but as they say…we are human. But, sometimes the hands one raises high in praise and worship to the Father when seeking help from Him will not always be hands which receive, but many times our hands are open so that God can use us to give.

My evening had plans for me; plans that I knew nothing of until I was faced with it. As I rushed out of the store, I glanced to my left and a homeless man ( young man) asked me to spare money for food. Ugh, I just wanted to get home and relax and now I was faced with a moral dilemma. I quickly thought, and then responded, “I don’t have any money.” I knew I hadn’t any in my wallet ( just change). As the rain hit my forehead I felt the Holy Spirit tug at my heart and somehow I couldn’t get this boy out of my mind. But, I hadn’t any money. I sat in my car feeling convicted thinking what could I do. I went threw my wallet and found a $1 in change and one dollar bill. I drove over to him and as I approached, I said to him this was all I had, and then I asked, “what is happening with you?” He said,” I have a job and just worked 11 hours today, but I don’t get paid for another 2 weeks. I am in between pay periods.” He then hung his head and said so remorsefully, ” I hate doing this, but my girl is out of work and my 3 children at home are depending on me.” Tears came to my eyes, because I know what it feels like to need help and have to lean on others for it. It is the most humbling position leaving one feeling hopeless. I asked what his name was; his children, and girlfriend. I then shook his hand and told him my name. We smiled at one another and I asked him if I could pray for him. He said, “YES!” We bowed our heads and I extended my hand to his shoulder and we prayed in  front of the grocery store. I tell you, God has a way of just calming the storms inside us, for the yokes we carry, many times are not of Him, for He said take up His yoke and learn from Him. God’s burdens are not burdens at all if we learn from His peace and lean on His omniscience.

But at the end of that prayer, I knew I needed to do more. I said there is a McDonald’s across the street so, let’s go there to get food for your family. As we stood in front of the girl ringing up the order he seemed to not be ordering enough food. I said, I thought you had 3 children and a girlfriend. He said, ” I haven’t done this before. I don’t know what to get. You are being so nice.” I must admit, I have encountered others which I have helped and upon paying for the meal the person attempts to take advantage. This was not the case with this boy. He was so overwhelmed by the random act, he couldn’t order right. I said, don’t be modest get food for tonight and breakfast for tomorrow. It is amazing when one has a humble heart you want to give them more. I wanted to do more so, I asked the girl  for a $25 gift card as well. He kept looking at me and the girl ringing up the meals kept saying how nice I was, but I said God provides for us so shouldn’t we provide for others. The boy said I hope I meet you again, but I wanted this gesture to remain anonymous; no strings attached, this was not about me or the feeling of giving back to me. Sometimes God wants to give and walk away–nothing more. I told him God wants you to have this and God wants you to be okay.

As I sat in my car the thought of him coming home to his girlfriend and little one’s with food in his hands meant so much to me. There is nothing worse than working so hard only to come home empty-handed. I wanted to help him so he could provide for his family. I smiled as I drove off thinking of the sweet babies eating their sandwiches, smiling and loving on one another. I am learning that we don’t need much to survive in this world, for this young man might not have had much, but he had his family, a roof over their heads, and a hot meal in their belly. Praise God for open hands that not only know how to receive, but also know how to give. To God be the Glory…Always.

DCL Ministries