This article is not about pulling up to the curb for our groceries or take-out orders in the era of COVID; it is about the pickup of the spirit.

As we pass through the city, do we notice the people out on the curbsides?  The ones who sit at the corners asking for donations of money, transportation, work, food, or alcohol?  What do we do when we see them?  Quicken our pace?  Avert our eyes?  Feel a wash of fear come over us?  I have done all of the above.

But what if we joined them on the curb?  What if we stopped to pick up their burdens?  What if we stopped to pick up their spirits? 

It can be a scary prospect to think of approaching these strangers, especially as a woman, but inside, their hearts need love just like ours do.  I have had some incredible promptings from God at times to approach these souls on the curbside.  Some amazing things have happened!  Not only have their spirits been lifted, but mine has been as well.  These experiences have been imprinted on my heart.

People are weary and worn, carrying heavy loads on their shoulders and in their hearts and minds.  Even the ones who are not homeless but are just sitting on the curbside during their break times from work or to wait for the bus are carrying loads.  But a smile and a kind word from us can make a world of difference.  Giving food can fill their hungry stomachs.  Giving them the address of a place where they can receive assistance offers them hope.  Giving our time and a listening ear gives them a sense of dignity and worth.  Giving them a hug or a handshake can bring them comfort.  And if we discover they don’t know the love of God, sharing that with them is the greatest help of all as it meets their deepest need—the need of their souls.

Let us remember and care for those in need.  It is the pickup we all need.  Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive.¹ 

And on second thought, perhaps I will mention us doing our curbside pickup from the restaurant or the grocery store; the souls who bring our orders to us are important to God.  Let’s see if we can pick up their spirits at the curbside.

Have a wonderful week!

~Francee

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“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Acts 20:35

He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will pay back what he has given.

Proverbs 19:17

The rich and the poor have this in common, The Lord is the maker of them all.

Proverbs 22:2

He who has a generous eye will be blessed, For he gives of his bread to the poor.

Proverbs 22:9

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NOTES

¹ See Acts 20:35.

Scriptures taken from the New King James Version of the Holy Bible, © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

©Text and photo by Francee Strain, May 23, 2021.