Maybe you can help me

I have been thinking a lot about poverty lately. The area we lived in in England is pretty affluent. I wouldn't say rich but there wasn't really any poverty. But here in Pensacola is a different story. Several times a week we are confronted with people on the street who are asking for money, a job, or some sort of assistance. And there are seem to be many others who just tired, poor and hopeless that hang out in all parts of town. Maybe it is caused by the bad economy but I remember Pensacola being like this when we were here before. Our pastor pointed out that in most cities, the poverty is zoned into certain areas so most middle-class folks are not forced to confront the poverty unless they drive into certain areas. But in Pensacola you can't miss it. It is everywhere.

It breaks my heart to see people like this. I used to carry powerbars in my car and hand them out. But then I got jaded because I felt like I was being taken for a ride in a couple instances. Then some time passed and I began to feel bad again and want to give them a handout.

The question that lingers in my mind is that as a Christian, how am I to respond to the poverty around me? We tithe to the church and we give money to different missionaries each month, as well as occasionally support Samaritan's Purse. However, these are all regulated, controlled areas of giving. What am I to do when poverty confronts me out of nowhere? And how am I to be wise about how I give in those situations?

I think of the movie "The Blind Side" and how the woman (I can't remember her name) was confronted with the boy who had no place to live and she seemed to not hesitate to help him. What does that look like for me?

If anyone has insight I would love to hear it. I have a plan for what to do when confronted by the Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses who come to the door, but I need a plan for poverty. How can I wisely give and serve these people when I am in this current stage of life?

Cheers.



This is one of my favorite pictures of John from when he was a baby...not too happy with the Halloween costume :)