A Lesson in Giving to the Homeless

I raised four boys. I brought them up in the church, read the Bible to them, taught them in the ways of the Lord, and yet they still seemed to be indifferent to the plight of those less fortunate than them. But a day came when God provided an opportunity for them to see destitution on the street and to respond in mercy. I am proud to say they came through with flying colors. But lest I grow a big head, it was not my efforts that made them respond. It was God working in their hearts.

One Saturday morning in the late 1980's, our family drove down to San Diego from Anaheim to go to a bicycle expo. My husband and boys were big on biking. We wandered around for a few hours looking at hundreds of new high tech bicycles, and bicycle products. By noon we were all starving. Rather than pay high prices there at the food vendors we decided to trek the few blocks to the local McDonald's.

On our way we had to pass through a little city square. Basically it was just a tiny little park with green grass, a few nice trees, and a bench here and there. As we traipsed through the little park we came upon a homeless man. He was an African american. Though he was dirty and poor, he had a radiant smile. He held out a cup or some sort of container and asked for a quarter for a cup of coffee. We threw in a little change and he was so grateful.

We arrived at McDonald's and orders were placed. We found our way to a table with trays piled high with Big Macs, Big 'n Tasty's, Quarter Pounders, x-tra large fries, apple pies, coffee, and soft drinks. While we were eating the boys began to talk about the homeless man begging for quarters. The conversation went something like this:

Kenny (age 13): That homeless guy was really nice.

Troy (age 11): Ya, and he was so thankful even when we only gave him a little change.

Scott (age 6): Maybe we should give him a hamburger.

Kenny: Why don't we get him something Mom?

Me: Okay, what should we get him?

Kenny: It should be a big burger. Big Mac or Quarter Pounder.

Troy: And we should get him a large coffee.

My husband and I were so impressed with their attitude of heart. We all pitched in some change and purchased the burger and coffee. Since we weren't quite done eating, we took the man's order over to the table and finished our meal. Our oldest, son Kenny said "Hey, why don't we give him some money too. He'll need something for dinner." So, the boys once again dug into their meager wallets and pooled their spending money. It came to four dollars and some change. They tucked it in to the Styrofoam hamburger container on top of the burger. They also picked up sugar, creamer, and ketchup, just to have all the bases covered. With great excitement they headed for the door.

We headed over to the park. The homeless man waved and thanked us again for the change we gave him earlier. Kenny, the self-appointed leader, handed the man the white bag with the golden arches on it and told him we bought him some lunch. The man proceeded to throw his arms around Kenny and hug him like he was his long lost son. At age 13 he was a bit uncomfortable with a public display of affection, but at the same time he was grinning from ear to ear. The man could not stop saying "Oh thank you, son, God bless you boys, God bless you. Glory to the Lord. Thank you Jesus." Then he reached out and shook the hands of our other two sons. My husband and I stood back out of the way. This was their gift to the man, not ours.

The boys, knowing there was more than a hamburger in the container, encouraged the man to open it up and dig in. The man was more than happy to obey. I sensed it was more for their pleasure than his. The man sat on the bench and opened the lid to the burger. The dollar bills kind of spilled out. "Oh my, praise the Lord, God bless you boys, God bless you. Oh thank you, God bless you."

Not a minute later another homeless man came up. We had seen him being abusive to the workers in the restaurant and insulting customers. He demanded that someone give him food. When he approached he immediately said in a nasty, bitter voice, "Hey, how come you get the food and money? Where's mine?" His whole attitude was one of entitlement and ingratitude. The boys had no more money and became rather flustered as to what to do. The first homeless man said to him, "Oh George, leave them be. I'll buy you a burger with the money." The boys looked upset that the nasty man was going to get a meal out of the nice man's money. He was so mean and demanding. Why couldn't he ask nicely?

We headed back to the bicycle expo with the grateful man shouting and waving goodbye and God bless you and thank you. The nasty man was muttering "Hurry up John, I'm hungry."

On the way home I asked the boys how they felt about the grateful man buying the nasty man a meal with the money. They hemmed and hawed knowing that even nasty homeless men need to eat. But as they talked about it they realized that the grateful man was passing on the love and generosity they had showed him, and that perhaps someday the nasty man will remember their generosity, and the generosity and friendship of the grateful man.

When we got home that night I pulled out the Bible and read about all the kindnesses that Jesus extended to the poor and infirm. Throughout the rest of the week we looked at compassion and giving in stories like the good Samaritan, the prodigal son, and the blind beggar that Jesus healed.

The important thing they recognized was that they give back to others what the Lord has given them, no strings attached. They gave because they cared, not to be appreciated.

To this day my boys are generous, and I pray that their children will be too.

© Lori Colbo