A few weeks ago I went to the local CU meeting to encourage the Christian students at Bournemouth University as they prepared for Mission week on campus. We had a wonderful time in worship, spent some time looking at some difficult questions the students may be asked throughout the week, had tea, coffee, chatted and then left. I'm always encouraged when I spend time with the CU. Such a vibrant group of Uni students who I know could be involved in so many other aspects of Uni life, but they choose to make Jesus first in their life and make him known to others on campus. After the meeting, I crossed the busy street and walked back to where my car was parked in the ASDA car park. As I neared the entrance of the carpark, there were three homeless men huddled together ready for a night of rough sleeping. It was dark and as a lady on my own I've always been warned not to talk to strange men and I normally try to avoid catching the eye of someone I might be wary of. But, something came over me and before I could hardly think about it, I looked the three men in their eyes and said, "Hello". Almost as soon as I said the word, one of them responded, "Thank you for speaking to me."
Wow! As I got into the driver seat of my car and drove home, I could not stop thinking about the response I just got. I did not give them any money. I did not offer them a safe warm place to sleep. I had not even brought them a warm blanket or food to eat. All I said was Hello.
I guess in those few seconds in approaching the entrance of the car park and noticing the rough sleepers huddled together I had remembered an article I saw in the local newspaper and reports I had seen on BBC South about how the Bournemouth train station was making it less welcoming to rough sleepers. They were playing bag pipe music over the sound system which would make it impossible for anyone to sleep there. Just at a time when the weather has been so cold and they struggle to find shelter. Some rough sleepers had reported that often they feel totally ignored by those who pass by and that no one would speak to them, treating them as if they were not even human.
I'm not telling you this story because I think I'm better or have this figured out. But, I do believe we all (including myself) should do more to reach out to the homeless. I am thankful for the soup kitchens, hostels and food banks that are in operation. I encourage you to be involved in some way. Right now I'm thinking of ways I can help (donating clothes, canned goods...etc.)
How can a simple "Hello" make such a difference?
Looking someone in the eye and saying hello means: I acknowledge your presence. You are a person. You matter. You have been created in God's image. It's also important to find out the person's name and listen to their story. Do not make assumptions. Everyone has a unique story. Everyone has a purpose.
All we have to do is look at Jesus to find our perfect example. He spoke to individuals. He listened to their need. He knew the right questions to ask to help them see their deeper need of Him. He called them by name. He made friends with those on the fringes of society. He crossed social boundaries and spoke to the woman at the well. He touched the man with leprosy when all the religious people passed him by. If we become too good to do any of these things, do we truly reflect the image of Christ?
