A Man and His Family.

My heart was broken Friday as I drove past a man holding a sign. This happens often. Waco has one of the highest poverty rates in the United States. But this one was different. He had his family with him. His wife and two small children. They sat just behind him as he shamefully held that sign. My first thought was for his children that they had to witness their father in that situation. Then I hoped that they would also witness strangers giving. And I gave. But as I drove off, it didn’t seem like enough. I turned back and got off to offer them some resources in our community. With clothes in a plastic bag, smeared faces, and humbled eyes, I approached them only to find out that we could not speak. Their language was not mine. In fact, it was not one I have ever heard. As we mimed back and forth and tears streamed down all our faces, we ended with a smile and a hand holding and a few burgers.

I have not stopped thinking about them all weekend. I don’t know their situation but to be a family on the street with small children, no English, and no money, I can’t imagine that it would be easy finding help or a place to stay or a job. I can only pray that they find refuge. This is the prayer I pray for the man and his family.

BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS.

DO NOT BE TERRIFIED.

DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED,

FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD WILL BE WITH YOU 

WHEREVER

YOU MAY GO.

- Joshua 1:9