Make a Difference in Jesus' Name

"Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me."

Matthew 24:35-36

Today I looked into the eyes of shame and hopelessness hidden behind perfectly treated blonde hair and glitter eye shadow. Such a tiny little thing, probably only twenty, humiliated and ashamed that she needed help from a food pantry. Meek as a mouse, she accepted the food offered to her, tears so very near the surface. Wheeling her cart out to her neighbor's car and helping her load it into the trunk, we managed to make everything fit with a bit of squeezing. Then I turned to her, gently gripped her shoulders, and told her to never be ashamed or embarrassed for needing help. Because we've all been there and now our greatest gift is the opportunity to give to those who need it. She hugged me like I was her only friend in the world and it was only by the grace of God that neither of us burst into tears. I'll be there next week and the week after and every week with the hopes that the Lord opens a door for me to show her more of His love.

It's hard, doing what I do. This is only my 3rd week volunteering with the food pantry. They're just starting out so it's only their 3rd week too, so we're all learning together. I don't even go to their church, and it blesses me so much that they would welcome me into their midst like this, opening their arms and allowing me to serve with them. I know I said it's hard, but the fulfillment I find in helping these people is worth all the sorrow that burdens my heart when I see them so desperate and terrified. Some of them don't know where their next meal is coming from. Last week we had a lady who served her three kids rice for lunch and didn't know where she was going to find them dinner.

The Lord has such a vast capacity for love. We are called to love the orphans and the widows and I extend that love to those who, for whatever reason, are going through hard times. The economy is kicking us in the teeth, but by being a part of this food pantry, I see hope. Because there are people who care, people who love the downtrodden, and we make a difference one person at a time. One family at a time.

The Lord would have used someone else to fill my space if I hadn't stepped up to the plate and acted on His leading. None of us are irreplaceable. We can choose to answer His call on our lives or not, but if we don't, He will call someone else. I never want to be that person who ignores the calling of the Lord. And I'm not sharing this story on my blog seeking personal praise, but to encourage you. When the Lord calls you, listen. He will fill that need with someone else if you don't answer, but He wants you to answer, yearns for you to answer. Any door could open up to bring the love of Jesus to others. I pray that all of His followers, every single one of us, will find courage enough to walk through that door when He calls. Don't ignore His call. Let him use you.