Tag Archives: Travel
Heart Strings
I have had the blessing of traveling a great deal in the past. I visited several countries and have seen poverty at it’s worst. Nothing breaks my heart more than witnessing homeless and hungry children, especially orphans.
This photo speaks a multitude, doesn’t it? This world can be such a cruel place. How I wish something could been done to help save every child and preserve their innocence.
There are times I feel helpless and overwhelmed, like tonight for instance. I was walking crosstown on 42nd Street to catch my bus home.
As I was walking, I took in my surroundings; the rhythm, activity and energy of rush hour.
Until something caught my eye that caused me to stop in my tracks. I remained frozen, watching, pondering whether I should go do something.
This moment reminded me of an incident I read in Jeff Goins’ new book, Wrecked. I knew I had to make a choice.
Suddenly a man spoke and snapped me out of my trance. I guess he noticed my struggle. He tells me, “Your heart strings are being tugged, huh?” I said, “Yes.” He nodded in understanding.
Right then, I decided to walk over to her. This young woman who was pregnant sitting on the hot concrete floor with a toddler. She must have been no more than twenty-five years old. I asked her if she needed help.
She didn’t speak English. She said something which sounded like Spanish. However, when she responded again, I realized it wasn’t Spanish, but more like Portuguese or Italian.
She wanted me to give her money. I told her I didn’t want to give her money. She said she needed diapers. I said I would go buy her diapers if she wanted. She agreed for me to get her diapers.
I asked, what size, she tells me size four. For the life of me, I don’t know how we were able to understand each other, it had to have been the Holy Spirit.
She tells me she would wait for me in the same spot for only twenty minutes. So I take off in a hurry to the nearest place I could find and bought diapers. I also bought her a few other items so she could feed her child who looked dirty, hungry and tired. I especially felt compassion for her child.
The city was so hot. I’m sure this poor child was outside all day in the heat while her mother begged.
When I returned she was there waiting. I handed her the bag and she thanked me.
What was most beautiful to me was the reaction on the little girl’s face. She pointed to the bottle of water and looked up at me with a big smile. She seemed genuinely appreciative. I grabbed her little hand and smiled at her too. My heart swelled with love for that child. I so badly wanted to protect her.
I looked into the pregnant mother’s eyes and told her Jesus loved her. I also told her to be careful and to take good care of herself and the baby. I just hope she really understood what I said.
I arrived home very somber. I began thinking about all the homeless mothers and children living in the streets of New York City and around the world. My heart hurts for them.
This tug never goes away. I guess it serves as reminder to never forget.
I wonder how things would be if every Christian from around the world stopped to help and encourage one person each day?
What do you think would happen? I would be very interested in hearing your thoughts.
Posted in blogging
Also tagged Children, Hunger, Jeff Goins, New York City, Poverty, Wrecked
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