"We think that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty." - Mother Teresa
Yesterday was Thanksgiving. In many places across the country the poor and the homeless were served a complete Thanksgiving meal in churches, halls and soup kitchens. Yesterday I experienced a unique situation when homeless men were invited to Thanksgiving dinner in a home filled with love.
This unique Thanksgiving dinner started in the mind of my friend Christie. She thought it would be a great idea to organize a dinner for those that didn't have plans or family to spend Thanksgiving with. It wasn't long before I began thinking about some of my homeless friends and what they might be doing for Thanksgiving. Prior to any of this, my friends Russell and Dani Holloway had asked me to take care of their dogs and home while they were away in Berlin, Germany. Long story short, Russell and Dani not only let us do Thanksgiving in their home, they were also more than willing to let me invite my homeless friends to come over too.
One lives in a car. Others live in the woods. It didn't matter to my friends Kelly, Jeff, Jane, Kristina, Ron, Christie, Mike, Momma, Terri and Michael. For just a few hours these homeless men were people just like us. Just like us they enjoyed a meal, conversation, friendship and love. Everyone was smiling, eating, talking and laughing. Everyone sat in chairs, ate too much and then ate some more. Everyone took home leftovers, hugged each other and said good bye.
Yesterday for just a little while it was hard to tell who was homeless and who lived in a home. Yesterday for just a few hours it was great to see my friends bring Heaven to Earth.
You are awesome Mike. You continually inspire me. Thank you for being Jesus to your friends.
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool! Thanks for being open and bringing heaven to earth. Blessings, Mike.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mike, for this great post. When you called me after the dinner and thanked me for being involved and sharing - I didn't at first understand what you meant. And then when you went on to say 'some' people might not have allowed or been comfortable around the homeless- I thought, would my friends and family be comfortable? He really made me think- a lot. Homelessness is everywhere and is happening to all kinds of people, white, black, educated, illiterate, poor, rich (once)-why can't we all be accepting? For Christmas this year I don't want things from family and friends - I want everyone I know to go out and help someone-even if its just a smile or a hug-hell lets have hug a homeless person day! I think evryone should have at least 10 hugs a day! Just think of how different our world would be if everyone gave 10 hugs a day and thanked someone for making their day. Mike I'd like to thank you for making my Thanksgiving truly a day of Thanks and love for my fellow man. I feel blessed having your friendship and knowing that God guided you to me. Twitter Rocks-love you - Insane Jane!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome. I thought about this yesterday when I was serving and giving of myself to my in-laws. They are not homeless by any means, but my brother in law and his girlfriend and drug addicts and my other inlaws are not fans of mine. I really didn't want to serve them at all. the girlfriend even came to my house high as a kite. We have interesting family gatherings at our house and most of the time I want to scream and hide all my belongings. I still hid my belongings (esp. with someone on drugs in my house) but I tried to be as kind as one can in this situation. I served my in-laws. I cleaned up after them (none of them even helped a little bit). We had 18 people here. It was a huge deal because I am not hospitable. It's not my strong suit. but I survived. Anyway, I thought about how God loves the unlovable and for me, I can't really go out and invite homeless people into my house at this stage in my life with little kids around me, but I can invite the unlovable characters that I know in my life. I think we all can do that. And you know what? I had fun with them too. By the way, found you through a tweet by Michael Perkins :)
ReplyDeleteWay to keep it realz, bro!
ReplyDeleteMike:
ReplyDeleteLiked this post.
I want to invite you to join my Facebook Group: Project Heaven on Earth, where I, and others, post material creating Heaven on Earth.
Warmly,
Martin
Mike,
ReplyDeleteAlthough I only met you last night I could tell in that brief meeting that you have a heart like God. This is a beautiful thing that you did, I wish I could have been a part of it. Please never change who you are. I am so very glad that you have entered Kristina's life and in turn mine as well.
Michelle
What a great way to spend the day.
ReplyDeleteReading this made me cry.
Mike, if you ever make it to Michigan, we can visit the jail together. If I ever make it to Florida, I'll be sure to give all your friends a hug. (You too. : )
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful for you, Mike ...
my original post didn't actually post.
ReplyDeleteMike, this was with out a doubt, the BEST Thanksgiving i have ever had. My family gets so wrapped up in everyday life of bills, homework, work, bills, cleaning, bills... that we forget that there are those out there that don't have what we have.
This was a wonderful way to share ourselves, not just our food, with others less fortunate.
Thank you so much for that!!!
We can't wait until Dec.18th. Teri is counting the days!!