Who was that teen? My youngest son. My husband and 15-year-old went out on Sunday to do something special together. It wasn't to go bowling or out for a burger. It was to feed homeless people living in tents behind a shopping mall not far from where we attend church. My husband told me he was amazed when my son not only spoke to a man who hadn't washed in a long time, but he hugged the guy as if he was any other person. Isn't that something? I really do believe that young people need to reach out to the less fortunate. It is good for them to get to know the people in this world who are not living in comfort. And for my son to touch a "modern day leper" is something that Christ would do. He acknowledged the man's worth in a personal and tangible way. That blesses me, and I'm sure it blessed my son, too. Of course, my son wants to go with my husband again to serve meals to the homeless where they live...in tents parked in washes in the desert. They are modern day gyspies. And if you are wondering where I was (and my older son) at that time, we were at worship team practice. We can't be in two places at once, and I'm bummed we missed the blessing. But I have a feeling it was meant to be just my son and husband that day reaching out the people in need. That is a memory they will always have together Nothing and no one can take that blessing from them. Ever.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Teen hugs a homeless man living in a tent
Who was that teen? My youngest son. My husband and 15-year-old went out on Sunday to do something special together. It wasn't to go bowling or out for a burger. It was to feed homeless people living in tents behind a shopping mall not far from where we attend church. My husband told me he was amazed when my son not only spoke to a man who hadn't washed in a long time, but he hugged the guy as if he was any other person. Isn't that something? I really do believe that young people need to reach out to the less fortunate. It is good for them to get to know the people in this world who are not living in comfort. And for my son to touch a "modern day leper" is something that Christ would do. He acknowledged the man's worth in a personal and tangible way. That blesses me, and I'm sure it blessed my son, too. Of course, my son wants to go with my husband again to serve meals to the homeless where they live...in tents parked in washes in the desert. They are modern day gyspies. And if you are wondering where I was (and my older son) at that time, we were at worship team practice. We can't be in two places at once, and I'm bummed we missed the blessing. But I have a feeling it was meant to be just my son and husband that day reaching out the people in need. That is a memory they will always have together Nothing and no one can take that blessing from them. Ever.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Share this post
8 comments:
What an amazing son you have, he is sure to be blessed for this. I can't imagine the happiness that poor homeless man felt, for someone to show that kind of compassion toward him. Many teenagers could learn so much from this example!
What a wonderful memory for them to share. I find that often children (and youth) do lead us to Christ through their actions.
What a blessing for all of you and the "new friend" your son met.
Bravo to your son! What a wonderful gift your husband gave him by taking him there to see that we all don't live in comfort. What a great ministry opportunity too. Something like like can affect a persons heart in a special way. And I don't just mean the homeless person. The one who gives the hug also gets the blessing. At that point your son became the arms of Jesus to that homeless man. What a awesome gift!
Oh, Michelle, what a lovely story. I have such hope for the future when our kids demonstrate Christ's love even better than we might. Please give your SON a hug for me!
WONDERFUL!!! l so know you are up on cloud nice and have a smile from ear to ear, as you should! Percy
What a great story. Thanks for sharing this. What a blessing to both your family and the person he hugged.
Be blessed.
It's moments like that when you know you've done a great job as a mom! Thanks for sharing this story.
“What would Jesus do?” A few years ago you could go to about any store and find charms, trinkets, key chains etc. all engraved or stenciled in unique patterns and art forms... W.W.J.D. I'm sure they’re still out there; I know you’ve seen them.
When I read your story I was touched. It is no surprise to me...that from kids (including your son) we all can learn something. That as we get older, not always wiser we sometimes forget... people-whoever they are-wherever they are-are God’s children.
I gave a keychain to my husband, Bill. (He still has it) and I’ve found it has served as a pretty good reminder... act like a kid. Keep in touch with our own loving, inner child...and “Do What Jesus Would.”
Thank your son for me...
Post a Comment