Today’s Thought “Cold Weather Heroes” G. Ward

Proverbs 11

²⁵ A generous person will be prosperous, and one who gives others plenty of water will himself be given plenty.

 

I didn’t grow up poor and our Dad was one who sought to keep us grounded in thanksgiving through incessant reminders of the children of Timbuktu (We assumed they lived in abject poverty). Moreover, our winters in Michigan were harsh, yet homelessness (then) wasn’t factored in for mankind of that era, so Dad would/could make you cry as he’d talk of all the stray dogs and cats. On this day (here in the South), we awakened to frigid temperatures and I’m wondering if any would contemplate those scurrying towards shelter of sorts, along with those without vehicles that dispense heat – walking to fulfill familial need. We’ve been told to never consider offering a ride to any, particularly in these dangerous times (as if to say you’re safe otherwise -Ps.127:1). Furthermore, could there be inquiry with our religious institutions, imposing on them to become warming stations, even offering soup and sandwiches that witnesses your volunteerism? Campaigns of great benevolence are so entirely wonderful and whereas they seemingly address the under-served the most, I’ve discovered our Lord’s words as foundational to our spiritual existence as transcendent to every generation that said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Ac.20:35b). While Timbuktu exists in Western Africa, poverty’s remnants are yet all around (*cf. Josh.24:15).