Scripture Reference: Ecclesiastes 9:14-16
There was found … a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city.
Reflection
Denver Moore lived on the streets of Fort Worth for decades, which will make a man mean. But with the help of friends Deb and Ron Hall, his life changed. Before he died in 2012, he went on to help raise millions of dollars for homeless shelters and was recognized as one of Fort Worth’s leading philanthropists. He also shared these words of wisdom:
Whether we is rich or poor, or something in between, this earth ain’t no final resting place. So, in a way, we is all homeless, just working our way toward home.”*
Those words remind me that this world is not my home, as the hymn says; however, it matters what I do while I am passing through. Jesus said that loving him involves loving and caring about others. It is as simple as that. All talk, no action, doesn’t cut it.
Heart for the Homeless
I was inspired by Denver’s story as told in the film and book, Same Kind of Different as Me. He was poor but profound, and he showed us how we can make our city better: care about everyone in it, just as Jesus asked us to do.
Author: Phil Randall
Fortunately, I was born into a loving, stable home and never missed a meal in my life unless I wanted to. That is a true blessing! However, as a young man, I was a newspaper police reporter, and my eyes were opened to the hardships many people face and the things that wreck lives. I remember writing a newspaper series about life for Anderson’s street people of the 1970s, people “who lived under the viaduct” and frequently landed in jail. It made me thankful for much I had once taken for granted in my own life.
I was also part of the “Jesus People” movement of the 1970s, very much as you see in the movie Jesus Revolution starring Jonathan Roumie. It enthused me to get out there and do what Jesus would have me do. One of the things the Bible says is to care for the poor. Isaiah 58:7 (NLT) says, “Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.” You don’t need a theology degree to get that one!
At this time, I see my role in the body of Christ as a supporter of other people’s ministries. I plug into them. Locally, that is HOPE Missions, the Salvation Army, and Sidewalk Sunday School. Good works like these need Christian community backing, and I want to help.
*Film Same Kind of Different as Me. Copyright 2017, Pure Flix Entertainment.
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