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Homeless Blessing Bags

Posted by on December 27, 2012 in General | Leave a comment

Homeless Veteran

Matthew Henry, in commenting on Isaiah 58:7, said, “As sin and sorrow dry the bones and weaken the strongest human constitution; so the duties of kindness and charity strengthen and refresh both body and mind. Those who do justly and love mercy, shall have the comfort, even in this world. Good works will bring the blessing of God, provided they are done from love to God and man, and wrought in the soul by the Holy Spirit.”

This is the holiday season, and many of us have been blessed with so much in our lives, spiritually and materially. I, like so many others, know that I have been guilty of taking too much for granted far too often. It’s also winter time. It’s cold out there. Not everyone has a warm home to sleep in, nor a family to turn to when harsh circumstances of life seem to fall on every side.

In our current economy nationwide, all year round, families and individuals are being displaced from their normal way of life; losing jobs, homes, and being forced to find shelter and food in ways they never dreamed would happen. Obviously, the poor shall always  be with us, and there seems to be only growing numbers of homeless in our sin-soaked society, and, we cannot “fix things” for everyone. But there is something we can do when we see them on the streets. We can be a blessing to them. We can demonstrate love and mercy, kindness and thoughtfulness.

I ran across this great idea from Crystal Paine who runs a site called Money Saving Mom. Aside from being a source of great ideas on saving money and helping you become a better home economist, she also has some great ideas on giving generously. In fact, she is doing an entire series called 31 Days of Giving on A Budget. (That link will take you to the first post of the series, the rest of the links can be found at the end of it.)

Here is an idea on how to be a blessing to the homeless, not only through the holiday season, but all year long. I think it’s a superb idea! It’s only one of 5 Ways to Give Generously Through Couponing.

A Blessing Bag is an easy way to help a homeless person when you drive by them at a busy intersection. Simply put essential items in a gallon Ziploc bag and keep your Blessing Bag in your car.

The next time you see a homeless person asking for help, you will already be prepared to bless them. Potential items to include can be: Chapstick, small packages of tissues, toothbrushes and toothpaste, mouthwash, combs, bar soap, snacks, socks, a note of encouragement, and a list of community resources.

The one thing – and the most important I would add to that little Ziploc bag – would be a Gospel tract. Here’s an opportunity to bless someone in need. Let’s not pass it by!