There is a man, who walks all over our town. Literally ALL OVER our town. He has no transportation. Now that in itself might not be a big deal… But… did I mention he is about half his normal height because he is hunched over due to a disability in his back and his legs are are all crippled up also.
I have watched him…. time and time again.
He is a bit scary to look at, I am ashamed to say. I have drove past him more times than I care to admit and thought to myself…. now there is a man who has the perseverance to continue on no matter what.
God kept nudging me that the next time I saw him walking, I was to offer him a ride. I almost hoped that I didn`t happen upon him again.
Well I saw him but I was going the other way and I dismissed the nudge. God really let me know it too. I promised I would not pass him by again.
photo credit: andrew and hobbes
I ran into him again at the local Sonic one day and I motioned him to my car. I introduced myself, and offered him a ride. He gladly accepted. He shared with me about his life and that he lost his job and was trying to support his family. I was going through the same thing and was embarrassed that I felt sorry for myself after hearing his story. His name is Rick.
I am honored.
I can promise you, I would not walk around town to get where I needed to go if I was in his shape. I won`t even do it being healthy. It spoke volumes to his determination, and the lack of my own.
I am ashamed.
I told him that if I ever saw him walking I would give him a ride. I saw him again today. I was going the other direction. I ignored the nudge… until God reminded me of my promise. I made a uturn and stopped to offer him a ride. He then asked me if I would come pick him up tomorrow to go to the Food Pantry to get some food for him and his family.
He had to be there early. I wanted to sleep in.
But I felt Gods presence and said I would be there to pick him up bright and early. After I dropped him off, I cried. Not tears of sadness, but of appreciation, to God, for reminding me that this life isn`t about me and my success or troubles, it is of adding value to others.
This is way out of my comfort zone and I am so happy I listened to the voice of God. I am now blessed to know this man who will not let any excuse stop him from doing what he needs to do to make it.
I am inspired.
I don`t share this to brag or to draw attention to my deed. I share this to give hope to myself and to others., If Rick can walk for miles and miles to do what he needs to do, we can too. We have no excuse. I also share this to invite others to reach out of their comfort zone and lend a helping hand to someone in need.
Don`t just do a drive by…. stop and make a difference. You will be the one who ends up blessed in the end.
I am humbled
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow, Susan Thank you for listening to God’s call. I know that I have avoided listening before. This has helped me to listen.
.-= Patrick McIntosh´s last blog ..World Cup Group G! =-.
Patrick,
Thanks for the great feedback tonight. I really appreciate your taking the time to read the post! Looking forward to next time!
Live Full Out with Passion & Purpose!
Susan
Hey Susan,
Great post. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with us. It reminds me of the story of the good Samaritan. What an inspiration.
I look forward to reading more about it.
Make it a great day!
God Bless,
-ed
Edward,
It was nice to finally speak with you tonight! Thanks for the comment. I hope my sharing inspires others to act when they have those promptings.
Live Full Out with Passion & Purpose,
Susan
Very cool Susan. This is a true testimony to the fact
that we judge, too. And if we only took the moment to
step inside and learn the inside scoop it will give us
an entirely new perspective. I am sure the masses that
never offered this guy a ride has many excuses…
but only if it were them – right?
.-= Robin Lynn Brooks´s last blog ..Listen for that Real Connection in Relationship Building =-.
Thanks Robin! This experience was such a blessing for me and I am really ashamed at how long it took me to offer the ride.
Susan,
This is such a wonderful example of the importance of being open to others. We often go to feed the homeless here in L.A. Some of the people are very scary looking. I have learned over time that most of the people are wonderful, funny, and friendly. They have fascinating stories to share and possess great wisdom. Bottom line is: They are all God’s children.
It is important to be cautious because many of the homeless suffer from mental disorders and can be unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean we have to shut out everyone. We usually get back more than we give! Susan, thanks for the reminder and for being brave enough to share your story.
Mentor Mama
.-= Nancy Burke Barr´s last blog ..MENTOR MAMA wants to know, Are You Penny Wise and Pound Foolish? Part 1 =-.
I agree Nancy. Thus gentleman is not homeless but none the less was a total stranger to me other than the familiar sight of him walking all over town. I knew anyone who was that committed to getting where they needed to go couldn`t be too much of a threat. I just can`t believe it took me so long.
No fair Susan. sniffle, sniffle. But I concur with Nancy. We want to be available to GOD for the tasks HE has for us. However a Judge never judges quickly but will research the situation before rendering an action. In this case I feel you have done that and may the LORD Bless you for your caring your fulfilling of James 2:14-17
.-= Nelson´s last blog ..“Am I a Jerk or What!!!” =-.
Hey Susan,
Great post. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with us. It reminds me of the story of the good Samaritan. What an inspiration.
I look forward to reading more about it.
Make it a great day!
God Bless,
-ed
Wow Susan,
Such an incredible reminder to get out of our “me” mindset and into one of giving. Thanks for this awesome post!
Take care,
Becca
.-= Becca Moss Kratky´s last blog ..The dreaded detour….or not? =-.
Thank you Becca. So often I get caught up in my struggles and find it hard to be compassionate for others. This taught me such a powerful lesson and one I will never forget.
Wow what a great story. It would be great if we could all just stop, even for once, to help someone that may need it. Pay it forward is what life is about.
.-= Karla Bond´s last blog ..Father’s Day =-.
Hey, way to be the change you wish to see in this world. I really believe in the butterfly effect. So your act of kindness effects the world at large and makes it a kinder place to live in.
Thank you
Debbie, I have to share that probably a month and a half or so after I wrote this post, my 20 year old son was sitting with me at the table and out of the blue he said, ” I gave that guy a ride a home today”. I said ” What guy”? He said “the guy that is all hunched over”…. I asked him if had read the post and he said he did… I was so proud that my son actually read my post and then acted on his own to pay it forward to the man as well!!!!!
Just goes to show that our kids are paying attention to more than we will ever know.
I was and still am a proud Mom!
{ 1 trackback }