Wednesday, November 9, 2011

"There but for the Grace of God, go I"


“There but for the Grace of God, go I
Dedicated to Homeless American Veterans
Homeless Vets Pictures, Images and Photos

 (John Bradford 1510-1555)

Reasons to Reflect, Give Thanks and Give of yourself!

As I child I heard this saying in the title of a disco song in 1979 by the group Machine.  At nine years all I knew that it had a funky beat and had a good repetitive hook.  However 31 years later it took a completely different significant meaning.

          This morning, while I was getting gas, on my way back to my car I saw a man holding a sign saying “Hungry and Homeless Vet”.  Wow did that ever tug on my heart strings.  My first instinct (God forgive me) was to ignore it as my inner skeptic said to me, “he’s probably not homeless, he’s a rich person in disguise just wanting more money” but my heart could not ignore the fact that perhaps it was God testing my faith in Him and in Humankind.  So I went back into the store and bought him a warm sandwich and a bottle of Tropicana OJ.  Walking over to the gentleman all different kinds of thoughts popped into my head.  Being from New York, if you did not give the homeless money at times they would curse you out.  Just the other day, a man was beaten to death when he did not give a homeless man money somewhere in the states.  So for the most part I guess my fears would have been justified.  But at this point I did not care, I was truly being led to this man.  When I approached him and handed him his breakfast, I could tell by the look on his face that he did not expect it.  In fact, he appeared a little confused.  After the initial shock his bewildered look turned into a smile of gratitude.  After that we both went our separate ways.  When I got back into my car, all I could say to myself was “There but for the Grace of God go I”.  

To take a moment and sit back and think about it, it is so true our lives are not that different of those who are homeless, possibly, just a paycheck or two ago they too may have been reaping the fruits of steady employment, a home a car etc.  

So in this season of Gratitude and Giving, the next time you see anyone homeless, Think to yourself, “There but for the Grace of God, go I” and if you dare, buy them something to eat. 

Friday is Veteran’s Day, there are a lot of homeless American Veterans out there.  I challenge you to do your Duty as a Grateful American and treat a Homeless Vet to a Meal.  While you’re at it, why not Say “Thank You for your Sacrifice”.  It’s the least we can do.    I truly hope that you take the time to read this, even better, I hope that this story moves you to Bless a Homeless Veteran if you see one.  If you do, I would love to know about it.  Please leave a comment on my blog.  If you can you please do me a favor and share this message and ask your friends to do the same?  Let’s make this a nationwide movement this Friday! You can go to your local fast food store and purchase gift cards for as little as $5.00 that can buy them a complete meal if they have a value menu.  Mc Donald’s has them, and so do several other restaurants. 

I have also included the link to the National Call Center for homeless Veterans  There is help out there, maybe they just need US to lead them to it.  Remember that it is because of THEM, that WE are SAFE!

http://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/NationalCallCenter.asp


1-877-4AID VET (1-877-424-3838)

Be Blessed Be Well!   

Lets make some Lemonade!







3 comments:

  1. You have inspired me and I will do the same. I am ready to make some lemonade!

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  2. Another good thing is, if you are out on the streets and you do know where some of the homeless are located, I have givng them things that come in usefull for the winter months....like blankets gloves, bottled water, and even food. I know ever little bit help under these hard times.

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  3. Good post, really inspirational for those times!

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