Sermon for Sunday - February 23, 2014: Homeless in Olympia (Part Whatever)

I keep posting on the homeless.  But, are they really homeless, or are some just down on their luck.  I've come to realize, albeit late for an egotistical shit that thinks he's quicker than this, that some of these people are just down on their luck and need a meal.  This is not a problem, we all have issues.  It is interesting when a man comes to get a cup of coffee, tries to pay, and is confronted with what we're doing.  More times than not, they reach down deep and bring out some cash for a donation.  What breaks my heart is the kids;  I ask myself, why should it?

There was a belief among military families that a military brat that was moved all over the world with the parent, had a better chance of making something of themselves than a child that didn't have the opportunity.  I think this might just hold true for the needy kids as well.  I have seen kids that have had to come get a plate of food, and the parent has reminded them to say thank you.  If you remember previous posts, I have always been humbled by the courtesy shown to us by our clientele.  This courtesy is taught to their pets, and their children.  It is a courtesy forgotten by the "haves" but not by the "have nots."  Once again, today, I had the opportunity to hand out fruit gummies to the kids.  To a child, they were reminded by the parent to say thank you, which they did without argument or hesitation.  Parenting rears it's head in the strangest of places.  We could all learn from this. I had one of our clients thank me today for teaching the young person helping with drinks the value of volunteerism.  I corrected him immediately and redirected his appreciation to Dee, who trains us all.

We had a Christian youth group helping today, and that was a rare treat.  We hope to see more of them.  There was also a Mennonite from south of Olympia that was interested in what we were doing.  He has been looking for an outlet to share his hope.  I could only smile as Dee welcomed whatever he could bring to the table.  We welcome all faiths to the cause.  This isn't about us, and it never should be.  This is about the needy and what we do to make a few minutes of their lives a bit better.  If we could have an interfaith effort, Jews, Muslims, Christians, Atheists, and others give of themselves for just a couple of hours a week, oh what a difference it would make in a life.

Mary didn't show today.  For those not following, Mary was a terrific guitar player and singer that I had offered a folding chair to, if she would come play each Saturday.  I found out from one of our older friends that Mary is in hospital. We all hope Mary recovers and is back with us soon.  Our prayers and love go out to her.  God bless you, Mary.

As for those of you still wondering if our efforts are worthwhile,  I leave you with this:

And, this should be enough.  (I had a photo of one of the children that show up, weekly, to the street feed.  I have opted not to show her darling face for obvious reasons.  The mere fact that I have to concern myself with this sickens me, but that is the world we live in.).  Children are our only hope for a future being torn apart by political one upsmanship and partisan politics.  I see the faces of these children each and every Saturday and have to wonder what our leaders are thinking.

This Sunday, look at you own child and consider what they have to be thankful for.  Does it make you proud?  Does this?  I wonder.

Maybe we should take a moment, this Sunday, and reflect on the children.  For all intents and purposes,  they are us.  If you had to spend a morning with your child in a food line, how would that make you feel?