I was walking to school in downtown, when an older black man approached me. He didn’t have the homeless stench, but he certainly had the homeless, beggar eyes. He was distraught, and needed help. Imagine my surprise when he didn’t ask for money, but for a listening ear. I still had quite some time before class, so I stayed still and listened.
He began to explain his circumstance. He had just left a terrible housing situation in another city and was in-between jobs and homes. He had children and a wife he needed to look out for, but his money was running low, and the hotel he was staying in was demanding money everyday in order for them to stay there. He was admitting that he was getting interviews, but he was very worried that he would have his family on the street. He was fighting, but it felt like he was losing the fight.
Listening to him admit his faults, fears, and worries opened my heart for him. I didn’t have much in my pocket, and he tried to refuse my donation, but I can’t fault a man trying to earn a job, make a living, and house his wife and kids. I might’ve given him a night’s worth of money, for which he was grateful, but he really only needed to vent. He insisted on that.
It’s amazing what you can do when you pay attention to people and actually care. This whole “I don’t care” mentality needs to die, because humanity can’t get anywhere when everyone is only looking out for themselves and never opening up to give someone a chance. You know how much you can change a life by intentionally opening up a space for them to vent, cry, complain, or just be themselves?
Just a few months ago, I went into work, as usual, and sat at the desk I had been sitting at most days over the months. In line with routine, I checked everyone’s face to see who had all decided to come to work that day, but was disturbed when I saw the face of a female worker.
Her eyes were dull, as if the light of life had been snatched from her. She stared at her computer more like a drone than a human. It was obvious that something was wrong, but no one was interacting with her, or bothering her. I’m not that person. God instilled His compassion and empathy in me, so I had to check on her.
All I did was walk over to her, asked if she was alright, gave her a hug, and encouraged her with a few words. That simple gesture restored the light in her eyes, even though all that rose to the surface was pain. Her eyes became red and watery as she was brought out of her misery and encouraged to push forward. I also mentioned to those closer to her that she needed to be checked on. By the end of the shift, she was slowly coming back into the person she always was at work.
You, who are reading this post, this isn’t a call to go and help someone. If you feel inspired to do so, then do so. The point of this post is for you to pay attention to one thing and one thing only. God placed me in those aforementioned spaces to come and help His people. I could’ve taken a different street, or I could’ve started my work instead of checking people’s faces. Yet, I was instead directed towards the people who needed help.
Luke 12 says:
“He said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.[1]
Pay attention to what God is trying to communicate to you. You are more valuable than flowers and more precious than ravens. When is the last time that you noticed nature? Are the mountains not magnificent? Are the oceans not vast and elegant? Are fields of flowers not beautiful? Are the animals starving? Are not the sun and stars still shining? All of the magnificence of our existence and God chose you as the most important thing.
There are people who say they love animals more than people. Yet, God, our shining example, tells us in His word that we are more loved, more important, and intentionally more cared for than animals. It’s not like God isn’t taking care of animals. The only threat to them is civilization, also known as humanity.
Have you walked through a garden in the early spring, just as the flowers are beginning to bloom? Do you not know that God finds you even more beautiful? Have you ever seen a pack of hungry lions chase down a herd for supper? Do you not know that God has food for you to eat today as well?
We have got to let go of pride and worry and realize there is help for us. God places people around you at all times to help you. Humble yourself and ask for help. Demand a space to be yourself. You are precious to God. He will give it to you.
There was one time when I was at a club. Yes, I have gone to bars and clubs before. These places are oftentimes declared as anti-God. Yet, God placed me there to take care of a young woman who had passed out in her drunkenness right outside the entrance of the club. She could’ve been molested, raped, kidnapped, or forced into a sex trafficking ring, but God led me to her so that I could help.
You would be amazed at the people God has placed in your life to help you, and you might equally be amazed at the places He puts these people. I have been helped by family, friends, strangers, and enemies. When I couldn’t afford a place to stay, my brother, sister, uncle, mother, and mother’s friend had places for me. When I couldn’t afford a nice meal to eat, my friends, family, coworkers, and strangers fed me. When my car broke down, God gave me honest mechanics. When I felt down, there were people everywhere to encourage me and build me up. I have heard and received words of wisdom in strip clubs, bars, churches, occupational facilities, and schools. I have learned from the homeless, the toddler, the drunk, the perverted, the preacher, the teacher, and more. Whenever a problem arose, there were people in my life, some I knew and others I did not, to answer the call.
I have always had someone who I could turn to in the midst of struggle. These people I did not always know. I didn’t even know if the people I knew were capable. Yet, God brought them in to help at all times. You are no different. There is help for you wherever you go. Don’t think you have to go this life alone. There are helpers all around. Be grateful.
God keeps a furnace in the sun for you. God keeps the rain in the sky for you. The rain and the sun are responsible for your existence. The plants and animals feed from these two major experiences daily. Still, what is more important to God than keeping a sun hot or a sky filled with rain is you. You are so important to God that He would keep everything in order just to make sure you feel safe, feel desired, feel loved, feel peace, get fed, and have a smile on your face. Every great thing in this world is for you, and no one else. This world isn’t for the animals. You aren’t alive for the aliens, angels, or planets. You are alive because God loves you. You have everything you need because you are that important to Him. You are literally the child of a loving parent who has an infinite supply of resources that He stored up just to spoil, teach, love, and cover you.
God said, “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”[2] I understand life is hard, you’re miserable, and you don’t see a way to change it. I encourage you to pray, with expectation, that you will see your way out soon.[3] I hope you will meet the person designated to help you sooner than later. I have helped many people in small ways get along in their life. I hope you run into willing people like that as well.
Trust and know that all bad seasons do end. However, while you’re here, trust that God has placed people, places, jobs, and money in your vicinity to help you along the way. Your misery does not go unnoticed, and He has no intention of letting it remain. Be patient, be encouraged, be determined, and stay looking for the way out. It’s there. I’ve seen it happen so many times in life. Your way out is closer than it feels!
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.”[4] The Lord has plans for you.[5] His plan is not to leave you in misery, suffering, confusion, or pain.
Let today be the day you decide you will accept the help that is around you. Let go of pride. Let go of routine. Let go low expectations. Shift your mind on higher things because the greatest being known to man loves you. He does not love you like you’re part of a collection, He loves you as if you are the only one He’s concerned about. All of this life is made for you to learn, grow, and enjoy. If you’re in pain, look up. Your help is around, and you’ve got to be open to letting it come to you. I hope you are relieved soon.
With love,
Dario Augustus
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[1] Luke 12:22-31 NRSV - Do Not Worry - He said to his - Bible Gateway [2] Matthew 6:25-34 NRSV - Do Not Worry - “Therefore I tell you, - Bible Gateway [3] 1 Corinthians10:13 NRSV - No testing has overtaken you that is - Bible Gateway [4] Numbers 6:24-26 NRSV - The LORD bless you and keep you; the - Bible Gateway [5] Jeremiah 29:11 NRSV - For surely I know the plans I have for - Bible Gateway