This writing is a follow up to my note written on May 3rd entitled “Helping the Poor”. I indicated that I was going to attempt to interface with the poor and try to build relationships with those who are in need at our local Soup Kitchen to see how God can use me to be of some help to the poor. My friend and I did this yesterday and what I discovered was emotionally overwhelming.
First, I discovered that they desired to be connected with others. I really thought that I would “look different” and that they would not emotionally try to connect with me, but what I discovered is that they welcomed someone showing a genuine interest in them. In an hour and half, I learned basic storylines for Kathleen, Katherine, Sonya, Bessie and Tony. They needed a listening ear and needed to know that someone cared to know. They weren’t looking to me to “fix” their circumstances. I was so blessed by just their willingness to be open.
Second, I discovered that among the five people I met with yesterday that they seemed to have a low level of cognitive functioning and perhaps some mental illness. When I listened to their stories, I just felt heartbroken about their circumstances and realized that their level of cognitive functioning had contributed to why they are in the circumstances that they are in. It was so sad to me.
Third, I discovered that they not only wanted to connect with me, but it was becoming apparent that their need to keep talking to me indicated that they had been shunned and ignored in the past. I found it very difficult to unhook from several of these conversations without feeling like I was being rude. They are so hungry for attention.
Fourth, I discovered that the needs are great, not small. This is probably what overwhelmed me the most. As I listened to each of their stories, it was very hard to imagine the kind of life they were living because they did not have the resources that you and I have and take for granted. Tony needs transportation and needs his bike repaired. This repair is not free, and he doesn’t have the resources to pay for the repair. My friend and I couldn’t quite figure out if the bike was in the shop and stuck there until he could pay the repair bill, or if it was at home because he couldn’t afford to have it repaired. We are going to figure this out and see if we can help. In the meantime, this man needs a job, and he has to walk all over town just to fill out applications.
Now, lest you think that I have been totally taken in by what I observed, I also need to share that I observed some incongruence and found myself a bit confused. Here are people in a Soup Kitchen who need food, yet they have cell phones and a land line and can’t pay all of their bills. Some had transportation, some did not. Where does the money come from? Some of you who are in the medical field probably see this everyday, and perhaps if you are a teacher, you may see this everyday as well. I am seeing this with fresh eyes and wondering how those of you in the medical and teaching professions really deal with those who are poor and have basic needs that you and I take for granted.
Overall, I left Saturday afternoon very encouraged by the overall experience. My friend and I will go back next Saturday to see if we can connect with the same people and build the relationship with them. It is my desire to help the poor in direct ways and to feed them spiritually, which is what the Soup Kitchen is all about. I also don’t want to be calloused toward the poor and develop wrong attitudes toward the poor. Please be in prayer for us as we will attempt to explore their attitudes toward God and get a sense of their understanding as to who Jesus is and start closing the gaps for them. I can’t wait to see how the Spirit will work!
Blessings,
Lee Ann
