Although it's rare, the mid-March cold that's cracking Weldon's skin is bitter and relentless. Strolling from corner to park to alley, his weariness isn't just limited to his physical status. After months of experiencing this rock-bottom phase, it's now taken root in his spirit. This is not the ideal time to be homeless and hungry, however. With spring coming in a couple of weeks, there won't be many community dinners or meals where the fortunate can "give back" until November. And in this unseasonably freeze, Weldon's options are few. Expressway exits are more productive than getting chased out of McDonald's because of asking for water. So Weldon waits on the good Samaritan while being fully aware that most of them don't show up until Thanksgiving.
I caught a feature on Entertainment Tonight highlighting the feeding services during Thanksgiving on Skid Row in Los Angeles. The reason this depressed area made it to the tabloid show is because community outreach and non-profits actually had to turn people away from helping. That's right... apparently passing out plates during Thanksgiving is yet another way for Hollywood stars to promote their brand; as if the homeless aren't exploited enough. But don't start to blast the rich and famous yet, because really this happened all over the country.
In an age where people carry around their own reporter and photographer, social media was filled with one-day philanthropists highlighting their efforts to give back to the less fortunate. And far from Tinsel Town, virtual stars took advantage of the chance to display (and hash-tag) their overflowing generosity with organizations that service the suffering regardless of the season. I couldn't help but wonder, if there was no way to record the action, would some of these people even act?
I guess the bottom line is people getting fed; so taking an Instagram pic is no big deal. But then again, if people getting fed was the true bottom line, why take a picture of it in an apparent attempt to self-glorify the giver? These actions lead me to believe that the actual bottom line is presenting an image that generates popularity; and even worse, if people can't witness the serving, then no service will be happening. This hypocritical manifestation is what Jesus highlighted in Matthew 6. He explains that people who go to lengths to ensure that others see their goodwill have been rewarded with just that, merely a person knowing what they did. Meanwhile, those who keep their donations between themselves, the recipient, and the Lord God will receive unimaginable rewards from heaven. Knowing this should increase a persons' humility when serving, but that's not guaranteed. Additionally, thousands of us reserve our good works for cold-weather holidays instead of a consistent practice of sacrifice, going along with the presented theme; which frankly is insulting.
Starting today, consider being a continual flow of blessings to those who've fallen or live in hard times...without telling people you did it. Just do it and let God smile at your willingness to lower yourself without likes or comments. Being just a Thanksgiving dinner giver surely will make you feel good for that day because all your "friends" will approve it, but that's not really the point is it? The objective is to provide a service for someone who cannot or has difficulty doing it themselves. And why does that only have to happen during Thanksgiving or Christmas when you can get a pat on the back? Because if it does, then you may spend four hours feeding someone and taking a selfie of it, but during the other 8,754 hours in the year...you're letting them starve.
Peace
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