Faith of the Poor

04 April, 2013

Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.
Proverbs 22:2

Tonight, I attended a special dinner for the homeless community in Malibu, CA. After sharing a meal, everyone sat in a circle to sing hymns of praise and discuss the Gospel. It was a night of tranquility, harmony, and understanding.

It was also very humbling. It taught me that we’re all God’s children, placed on this Earth to love each other, regardless of whether we live in a lavish mansion or a cardboard hut in the trees on Pacific Coast Highway. It was nothing short of life-changing to meet deeply spiritual people with no house to go home to or family to call. They had complete trust in God.

It led me to contemplate what I would do in their situation. I worry about the smallest of problems, such as where God wants me to live this summer or what I'll do once I graduate, while some people are praying for a warm place to sleep.

The homeless community in Los Angeles is truly exceptional. Their faith and trust in the Lord is unmatched, and the thankfulness they have is so admirable. Their hearts are full of God's joy, and I could clearly see Jesus in their eyes.

Matthew 5:1 says "blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven." If this is true, then I am lagging far behind my homeless brothers and sisters.

Who's really homeless in this world? Those who ignore God and live a comfortable life or those who trust Him and don't have a home? After that dinner, I think it's the latter group.

God goes where He's wanted, and the saints I met tonight are holding on to His promises every day, hour, and minute. I can only pray to someday have faith as strong as those whom I met tonight.