Feed the Hungry....WWJD

Just in time for Thanksgiving I happened to witness something that gave me not only a reality check but a sense that I fail as a Christian. Last Saturday the weather was nice so I decided to take a walk around the neighborhood. I walked up to the yards at the Joslyn Castle then west to our neighborhood park. While walking around the park, checking on all the plants and trees, I noticed to old ladies in the park. They were very familiar to me. I had noticed them often this summer as they walked up and down California Street. They stood out among all others because of the rural folksy way they dressed, a style of dress not unfamiliar to my grandparents or my aunts and uncles who are old time farmers. The one primary thing that always caught my eye was the bandanas that they wore on their heads. My mother always wore one when going out into the field to work, when my parents were still farming. One of the two ladies had a foam matt rolled up and tucked under her arm. One lady dug in the trash without taking it out of the can. Then the second lady dug out the trash and then put it back in the can. I am not sure they could see me across the park but I certainly could see them.

It was without a doubt they were digging in the trash for something to eat. I only feel this way because many workers from the University Medical Center eat lunch in our park because it near by. There are usually lots of fast food sacks in the trash cans. I knew I only had about $5 on me but I could take them to Subway Sandwich and buy them at least one sandwich. I froze. I didn't know what to do or even how to approach them to see if they would like something to eat. But I wanted to do something. I stood still as I watched them exit the park and round the first house. I then walked quickly after them, not knowing what I would do if I caught up with them. 42nd Street 'teebones' in the direction the ladies walked. They either went left or right. As I got to the corner house I looked up to see if my friend Dee was home and could help me in finding a way to help. Dee was not home. I saw the ladies about 4 blocks down the street. I walked after them. However, once they met busy Saddle Creek Road I halted my pursued. I turned and headed back home.

All the way home I tried to convince myself that I could find out where they lived in the neighborhood and could help them later. I felt deeply depressed. To know that someone I passed by on a regular basis and may live in my neighborhood may be very hungry, that I did nothing is disturbing.

I keep asking everyone if they know where these ladies live and still keeping my eyes out for them. I haven't figured it out yet. I am still disturbed.