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Tuesday, June 02, 2015

My Modest Change (for Abel)

When I give money
to the holy homeless
of the street,
I ask their name
and assure them
I will pray for them.

I finally figured out
what bothered me
about this:

when I give
from my
undeserved bounty,
it creates
an artificial imbalance,
because I have
some thing
and other does not,
and it really is
only a blessing
of grace
that I have
what I have
at all.

So, today
when I gave to
the vacant eyed
young man
hopefully named
Abel,
I assured him
I would pray for him,
and then
The Holy Spirit
spoke through me:
"and my name is David,
please pray for me too."

It helped to remember
that I needed his prayers
just like he needed
my modest change.

31 comments:

  1. YES. And yes. And YES.

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  2. We are connected. No matter our circumstance. And we do need their prayer as much as they need theirs. Maybe even more, for having what we have - and the danger that is to our humility.

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  3. Anonymous2:15 PM

    Very clever ending:

    "just like he needed
    my modest change"

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  4. Oh the prayers of the homeless
    who truly live in home
    of connecting with
    others and nature
    with materials
    second to all of that
    do dream and pray
    the deepest truths
    of all.. there is
    genius
    on
    the
    streets.. still
    named Love..:)

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  5. Wow! This is powerful. It is so easy to offer prayer, but it takes humility to ask for prayer. Peace, Linda

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    Replies
    1. Yes, I wanted my giving to be less blase.

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  6. I like the idea that both of you needed prayers too ~ Very touching share, smiles ~

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  7. Anonymous4:50 PM

    The holy homeless.

    What about the unholy homeless? Would you not give to them?

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    Replies
    1. I wasn't trying to imply there are unholy homeless, but rather that all homeless people are all holy - a condition that it often overlooked. No offense intended.

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  8. This is so very true. the prayers of the homeless or poor or whatever are as powerful and maybe more so, than those who have more than they need. A few years ago I had volunteered and was making up the cots in a shelter. It humbled me that as I did it, so many said thank you, bless you, pray for me as I pray for you. For indeed, that is the truth of the matter. Hayes Spencer is Kanzensakura

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  9. Anonymous6:26 PM

    Excellent.. loved the way you ended this .. a very nice sentiment- well crafted.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, it was my moment of the week.

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  10. Anonymous7:10 PM

    Oh gosh, this brought me to my knees--what a powerful message/lesson for me. Beautifully written--thank you.

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  11. I think that sometimes I should thank them for being able to give.... It's a blessing to be able to share a little.

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  12. those who need our help are gifts which allow us to express compassion.

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  13. I like the touch of humility in this...

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, I pride myself on my humility. :) Just kidding.

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  14. Thanks, I have to make a conscious effort to look at people that I would otherwise ignore.

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  15. Very nice! We need others as they need us, in a humanistic way.

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  16. "The holy homeless" ...i love that. We're all in His image so doesn't that make every human life sacred, really? i think so. Glad you exchanged names, and prayers!

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  17. Beautiful and deep. And yes, quite humble. Prayers are much needed indeed.

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