February 6

I had an appointment in Lawrenceville on a Saturday morning, and I was scheduled to work at BridgeLife Thrift Store later that afternoon, so my travels took me up Route 1. As I passed Mercer Mall on my left, I thought about a certain eatery in there I really liked and hadn't been to in a while, and since I had time, I figured I'd treat myself and swing in there for a bite.

As I drove down the strip mall, looking for the place, I saw a homeless woman with a cart laden down with stuff by the bus stop (for those not familiar with the area, homeless people often frequent the bus stops in this mall). She was all bent over--I later learned this is her "natural" state--and so covered with assorted mismatched pieces of clothing, she looked like a large pile of laundry. I felt bad and said a prayer for her as I passed and went on to my destination, only to find it closed for the day. Disappointed, I tried another restaurant in the same mall, looking for a specific seasonal item I'd enjoyed before, but again, it was not to be.

I was frustrated, thinking what a waste of time this side-trip had been. But as I made my way back to Rt. 1, I saw the homeless woman again, and again, I passed her by. The Holy Spirit wasn't having that, though. James 4:17 flashed across my mind: "If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them." I'd thought of all the past times I'd committed this particular sin, and determined not to let it happen again. I pulled into a parking spot and took all the cash I had from my wallet (I do regret not accessing the ATM that was literally RIGHT there to get more). Driving back to the bus stop, I saw the homeless woman had moved to the bench area, so I pulled into the spot where the buses pull in (thankfully, none were coming), parked the car, and approached the woman carefully (she doesn't know if I'm coming to accost her, and I don't know if she's mentally stable). I said, "Hi!", and although she turned slightly to acknowledge me, she didn't respond (and couldn't stand up). I asked her if she needed anything, and if I could help her, but again, no response.

I couldn't help but notice a single tear fall from her face, so I took her hand and pressed the money into it. I held her hand in mine for a minute and said, "This is for you. GOD bless you. I'm praying for you." She seemed to nod in acknowledgement. I wasn't sure what to do next, if anything, and I didn't want to embarrass her, so I took my leave and went on with my day.

I'm thankful the LORD loved me enough to not let me get away with this particular sin again, and I hope He uses that moment to that woman's blessing and His glory. Please keep her and other homeless people in your prayers.

Anonymous