Throw-Aways?

Hello Everyone,

I have a question for you. Are they just “throw-aways”? When we see them on the side of the road, do you turn the other way? Then thinking better of ourselves we blame those who are homeless, or living in tents, always begging for something they didn’t earn.

Maybe, the sight of them breaks your heart, but you don’t know what to do? Then we start pointing fingers at who is at fault rather than trying to solve their needs or problems. You know, for the ones who are poor, mentally ill, drug addicted, for those thought to be by some as the “throw-aways” in our society.

We claim to be Christian, and we claim to serve and love as Jesus loved us. Really? Jesus did say we would always have the poor among us. Jesus also said, that if you give but even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones, you have done it for me.  Maybe we feel the way we do is because it has never been personal. Maybe we simply do not understand.

Let me share a little something about a few people I love very much. The first story begins years ago with a young man who spent a lot of time at our house. He grew up with our children. He knew our home was safe, had food, and he would be loved and fed. He also knew there would be no drugs to tempt him.

Unfortunately, after becoming sober he used just one more time. He died.

Our second story is about a couple in their early 60’s who have raised several children together. One of their children, however, seemed to be plagued by demons from the start. They had to make some tough choices over the years. They received a call not long ago, that their son had been found dead, alone in a hotel room.

Then there is story number three where a glimmer of hope remains. This family also grew up together. Their daughter more recently got caught up with a bad seed during her healing process from addiction. Now as an adult she called her father for help, again.  Again, he went to retrieve her. She had been living in a tent city. We will not discuss what happened there. Her parents called the police to have her arrested as they felt it may be the only way to help to save her from returning to the tents and save her life.

Do you know how heartbreaking it is to still not be able to help or stop someone from the power of drugs? People are fighting demons that we cannot possibly understand. But we could help! You see, these people on the streets are our children, our neighbors' children, our siblings, they are God’s own, beloved!

We just celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ who died on the cross for each of us, including these individuals. God knew them as God knows us. Look around and pay attention, as maybe someone you know and love, is dealing with an addiction. Maybe they are poor in mind or spirit, or stuck in a situation that they do not know how to get out.  If we are Christ's body then let us reach out with the love and light of Jesus. 

He is not just for Sunday morning; He is for the whole week and for everyone. Let us

pray, for all God’s precious children. Then go help with a food pantry or food bank or

soup kitchen. Help with warm sleeping bags and tents. Donate money or resources to

those in need. Donate clothing or help as God calls you. May the Spirit of our Lord be

with you all!  No one is a “throw-away”!  No One!

Resurrection Blessings,

Pastor Cheryl Rieder