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She stood near the street corner not far from a Kwik-Way gas pump–a crude cardboard sign in her hands. Please help. Money needed. The hastily written words left no space for pretense. The young brunette with disheveled hair and frightened eyes was hurting.
Feeling the tug of a mother’s heart, I stopped to speak with the girl-woman. Not much older than my teenaged son, I wondered what circumstances could have led her here…to this place…and in this condition. Ridges of bone stood out sharply against thin, peaked skin while dirt-smudged fingers pulled self-conciously at stained, rumpled clothing.
“Here,” I said, “please take this. I don’t have much with me, but I thought you could use some lunch.” And I handed her a bag smelling of French fries and grilled burgers.
“I work at that church,” I pointed encouragingly. “If you stop by later today, someone will help you.”
“Sure,” the girl-woman said. I never saw her again. Since then, I’ve often wondered. How desperately in need must we be before accepting help?
Like this dear one, I have known what it is to be poor. I’ve experienced hunger with nothing more than a six-pack of Pepsi in the refrigerator and a few cans of green beans in the pantry…but, I really mean a poverty of spirit.
The impoverished have few resources. They are neither powerful nor influential and must rely on others for survival. Those who are spiritually poor realize their similar condition.
All false-hood is torn away to reveal raw, human need. And to the woman who weeps with loneliness? He hears your heart repeating its muffled chorus…love me, love me. To the little boy who yearns to be like other children? He quietly whispers….I am enough. To the cancer-riddled mother, He promises…I know the plans I have for you; plans to give you a hope and a future.
Are you like me, dear friend? Are you in need? Does your impoverished soul ache for relief? Then embrace Christ today. Admit your need. Accept his offer of mercy. He extends wounded hands in promise of an eternal tomorrow overflowing with the richness of His boundless love.
Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 5:3)
