The Houseless Angel
The two young Christians were on fire for Jesus. God had touched their heart to minister to the homeless living in downtown Sacramento. So they decided, rather than hanging out with a bunch of friends from their college group on another Friday night, they would bring some shoes, blankets, and other essentials downtown.
Standing on the corner was an older woman, carrying all her worldly possessions in a shopping cart. The two approached the homeless woman, extending an invitation to take her for a hot meal, and even offered some clothing items to her. The woman, Shirley Jean, declined the invitation to dinner. She had just eaten a very nice meal, and was quite satisfied. She also did not have a need for the other items the two brought for her. Shirley Jean was quite comfortable, and had everything she needed.
As the two young Christians began getting to know Shirley Jean, they discovered she'd been living outside for the past ten or so years. She did not consider herself homeless; she prefers to call it living outside. Shirley Jean is only houseless. Not only is she content with where she lives, but living outside is how she came to understand her purpose in life.
Shirley Jean has a street ministry. She loves Jesus with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength. God called her to ministry many years ago. This is when she came to realize outside is her home. She has everything she needs because Jesus faithfully meets them.
This woman whom the two young Christians chose to minister to ended up turning around and ministering to them. They were humbled and their tears would not stop streaming down their face. The young Christian girl described Shirley Jean as an angel. They approached Shirley Jean as if they had much more to offer her than she already had. They quickly discovered Shirley Jean was very rich, and she possessed something they did not have; humility and contentment in living as Jesus lived.
Standing on the corner was an older woman, carrying all her worldly possessions in a shopping cart. The two approached the homeless woman, extending an invitation to take her for a hot meal, and even offered some clothing items to her. The woman, Shirley Jean, declined the invitation to dinner. She had just eaten a very nice meal, and was quite satisfied. She also did not have a need for the other items the two brought for her. Shirley Jean was quite comfortable, and had everything she needed.
As the two young Christians began getting to know Shirley Jean, they discovered she'd been living outside for the past ten or so years. She did not consider herself homeless; she prefers to call it living outside. Shirley Jean is only houseless. Not only is she content with where she lives, but living outside is how she came to understand her purpose in life.
Shirley Jean has a street ministry. She loves Jesus with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength. God called her to ministry many years ago. This is when she came to realize outside is her home. She has everything she needs because Jesus faithfully meets them.
This woman whom the two young Christians chose to minister to ended up turning around and ministering to them. They were humbled and their tears would not stop streaming down their face. The young Christian girl described Shirley Jean as an angel. They approached Shirley Jean as if they had much more to offer her than she already had. They quickly discovered Shirley Jean was very rich, and she possessed something they did not have; humility and contentment in living as Jesus lived.
The two young Christians did discover two things Shirley Jean would like. You see, she has four children and several grandchildren, whom she has not had contact with in many years. Her heart's desire is to get word to them that she is okay. Her family has asked her to come live with them in the past, but she prefers not to intrude in their lives.
Shirley Jean's only other prayer was her desire to have a place to sleep inside that winter. It gets real cold out here.
Now glory be to God who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of--infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts or hopes.
~ Ephesians 3:20
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May the words shared here bless you in some way and inspire you to draw closer to God. Your input is welcomed and appreciated, my friend!