Blessed to Shower

Feeding the homeless isn't something I'm forced to do for school nor something my parents tricked me into to get me out of the house. Being a part of a ministry that genuinely cares for those that they're serving makes my heart incredibly full. Today, a few things stood out to me.

First of all, when we say that we're going to be the "hands and feet of Jesus", do we really mean it? Today, one of our volunteers gave his shoes to a homeless man in need. Right off of his feet and everything. I honestly cannot imagine taking something off of my back and giving it to someone else. It's really easy to give away things that aren't needed in your closet, but what about the things that we deem that are?

Secondly, today was a little bit different. Instead of having the people stand in a line and be served, today we brought the food to them (in the rain). They had to sit down and be waited on by us, which I thought was truly amazing. They don't go into a ton of restaurants, so doing this was our little way of showing them that they should be held to a high respect.

Furthermore, as I was walking around the facility, I saw women come in with several children and my heart immediately began to ache. I brought them food and then one of the mothers asked for a to-go box. I was confused at first, but then she explained that she didn't want her children dropping their food on the way back to the shelter. Personally, we weren't super rich when I was a child because my dad was in school to become a pastor; however, no part of my childhood was spent in a shelter. God provided for us, as did my parents.

Lastly, before we left today, a ton of us had to use the restroom. However, at an outside park, the "restrooms" were port-a-potties. When I walked in to use it, there were unknown substances on the toilet seat (eeekkkk) and no toilet paper. A girl's worst nightmare. Also, I didn't even mention the smell. Oh, goodness, the smell. However, I put on my "big-girl pants" and I braved the small, rectangular, death-trap.

When I got home, I took a nice shower. However, this is what these people have to deal with on the daily, or worse. I'd never put myself in their shoes until that moment when I used the same commode as they had been using all day. But let's think about it. When I got home, I showered. How many of these people get to say that they  shower once a day? I actually showered twice today. Like how blessed are we? We have the OPTION to take as many showers as we want, yet they're deprived of that hygiene freedom.

Today's sermon was about having an "attitude of gratitude" and today I'm grateful for a few things. The first one is that I'm given this opportunity to serve others with a wonderful group of people, and the second is showers. I'm so grateful for every shower I get to take. We take too many things for granted, that being one of them. Also, lastly, I'm thankful for Jesus! Not only does he prepare my heart on these Sunday's, but he prepares my stomach. (we don't eat during this process so I had "lunch" around 6pm and "brunch" at 10:30am) The hands and feet of Jesus are clearly seen on these days, even if it was raining. I cannot wait to go back next month, hopefully with clothes to donate and homemade cookies to bring.

(Also, Carolyn Jimenez took/ edited this picture from today.)

Instagram: cmj_photography_

preparing the heart

Lately, I've felt compelled by the Holy Spirit. People always say "well, God told me to do this" which I think is bologna. However, I think being compelled to do something is entirely different. I hear no voices nor have visions. I only feel a pulling in my heart. Next week is another week that I'm blessed with the opportunity to feed the homeless, taking a ministry onto the streets.

It's so difficult to describe what happens on those Sundays. I can easily explain what happens physically, but emotionally, you're flipped upside down and your heart suddenly grows 30 times in size. You've gotta be prepared for this sudden growth though. Otherwise, it'll hit you like a truck. These people we serve don't have a lot of belongings, unlike us. It's heartbreaking, yet humbling, to see what they focus on. Their need to survive is so much greater than our longing for the new iphone 7 or the next new gadget we feast our eyes on. They have a few concerns: themselves, and what the next meal is going to be. Some of them have children to worry about as well. If you think having children is hard now, can you even imagine struggling to find a bed to sleep in every night for you and your child? I personally can't. This is one of the reasons why I have to spiritually prepare myself each time I'm blessed with this opportunity. A runner has to train before a race like I have to train my heart to love  deeper and wider.

I feel as though we're called in this ministry to love these people like Christ loves the church. (The same goes for marriage, but I'd like to take this simile and turn it into volunteering, if that's alright.) Christ LAID down his LIFE for the church and for us. We're called as servants to love like him. Would you lay down your life for a stranger on the street? Some of us wouldn't even lay down our lives for our best friends or family members.

I'm excited to see where each month takes me in my spiritual journey with our Savior because it helps me to realize that everything has a purpose. God didn't throw these people out on the streets and have all of the bad things happen to them for giggles, you know? He has a plan for every single one of them. He also has a plan for us. And if our plans and paths cross with theirs, I find that being even better. The path that I'm very grateful for is Carolyn's crossing mine, inviting me to the ministry that's changed my view on the world and humanity itself. Our Lord is powerful. "He's got the whole world in His hands. He's got you and me brother in His hands. He's got you and me sister in His hands."  If that's true, what are you worrying about? Give it all to him.

Also, I'll tune in next week to tell you how God's working in our community and through us to help others.

If you're interested on how it went last month, simply look below :)

Until next week,

Emma Jane

Romans 5:3-5