I have been researching a lot about how to make a difference locally and
how to be effective. So straight away you think about giving money, or
spreading the word about a cause, or setting up a fundraising campaign, but
often, we are not so quick to give our time. I was reading this post by Joyce
Meyer today and was really challenged by it. She demonstrate how, often, people
are grateful for financial and practical help, but often, the thing they crave
the most is your time and attention: feeling valued.
Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every
man be quick to hear…slow to speak… —James 1:19
A friend of mine lives in a large city where
homelessness is a huge problem. One winter night she was coming home from work
and walked by a man asking for money. It was cold and dark, and she was anxious
to get home. Not wanting to pull out her wallet in a less than safe
situation, she reached deep into her purse fishing for change. As her
fingers searched in vain, the man started telling her that his coat had been
stolen in the homeless shelter where he’d stayed the night before. Still trying
to come up with a couple of quarters, she nodded and said, “That’s too bad”.
When she finally found the money, she dropped it into the man’s cup. He
smiled and said, “Thank you for talking with me.” My friend realized what
meant the most to that man was the fact that someone had heard him and
responded.
We have a team of people from our ministry who try
to help people living in the tunnels under the downtown bridge. They have
found that each of these people has a story. Something tragic happened to
them that resulted in their present circumstance. They appreciate the
sandwiches and clean clothes, but mostly they appreciate someone caring enough
to actually talk with them long enough to learn about them.
Let me encourage you to take time to listen.
Love Others Today: Do you know someone who
simply needs a person to talk to? Be the one who will listen.
Blessings!
Ronell x
