Monday, December 20, 2010

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Ziplocs full of Love

My friend Carol works in the city and sees homeless people every day. It breaks her heart. Someone she cares about was homeless for many years and only recently has escaped that lifestyle. The knows some of the struggles and also the worry that goes along with caring about someone out there on the streets.

Last year, just outside the parking lot where Carol parks daily, she noticed a homeless man and she thought about him when the weather got harsh. She began to pray for him and speak to him as she passed. She gave him bottles of water. Carol and her son made up a bunch of baggies full of the kind of things that she has learned homeless people can really use. She threw her first baggie full of stuff over the fence and told him her name. The next week she tossed another bag over and he told her his name. One day LaVern told Carol that she wouldn't be seeing him anymore. He had found a place to live. She saw him the next day then he was gone. She prays that he has found a home and a place of care. She continues to hand out Baggies of love whenever she encounters a homeless person.

Last night she brought assorted care items and large ziploc bags to our Circle meeting. She shared her passion with us and we helped her fill each bag with a bottle of water, a pair of socks, a granola bar, matches and a candle, a small container of applesauce and a plastic spoon, cough drops, a can of Vienna Sausages, a box of raisins, a package of cheese and crackers, a stocking cap and a pair of gloves. We each took two home with us to have in our car the next time we see someone in need of one.

Carol says she is no leader. Ah, but she is God's servant. She inspires me.