Proverbs 31:20

Proverbs 31:20

 She extends a helping hand to the poor

and opens her arms to the needy.

As a wife and mother I feel like I am always helping the needy.  

"Mom, I need money for --- at school" 

"Mom, I need a new outfit for the dance"

"Mom, we're out of lunch stuff, you need to go to the store"

  Even from Mr. Harris - "Kels, I'm hungry, I need something for lunch" 

or "I need ---.  Can you pick it up while you're out?"  

Add that to the fact that I am a nurse...

 "I need some more ice chips"

"I need some pain medication."

"I need to push"  (okay, labor and delivery, that's legit)

Sometimes I feel like all I do is give to the needy!  

God calls us as women to be compassionate to the needs of others.  Back in the day the poor and needy were completely dependent upon the charity of the people.  Today we have so many government programs that people can access, which is great for people who REALLY need it.  And we pay for those programs with tax payer dollars, so we are helping out already.  

It's a little tricky to just hand money to a stranger nowadays.  You never know if they are going to use it for what they say.  I'm always worried that the money I give is going to be for alcohol or drugs.  I've heard so many stories about people who have witnessed this first hand.  Sometimes it is better to give them what they need.  My mom gave people who were standing on the corner food and drinks.  I remember once this guy even had a dog with him and she bought the dog a burger as well!

Donating money to Christian charities is a great way to make sure that the money is being used properly and that the people who come for assistance will be ministered to.

I think I might start having 'to go' bags packed so when I head out to do errands I can grab one and give it to someone who is standing out holding a sign.  It can be packed with some prepackaged snacks, water bottle, a small copy of the New Testament and even a printed list of some places the person can go for assistance.  

There are so many ways to make a difference in the lives of the poor and needy.  Donate money, donate household items, donate your time.  Whatever way we choose to do it we need to remember to do it with a happy heart for service and an eagerness to share God's word!

PS - Today is Good Friday