"We lost everything..."

Last week a horrible storm came through our little town. Many people had property damage caused by fallen trees and limbs. The power was out for days. I called my mom to talk about it and when she asked if we were able to salvage our cold food I replied with, "We lost everything." I was referring to all the frozen chicken and beef, the milk, eggs, yogurt, and breakfast meats, all the sandwich meat, and the cheeses too.

Yesterday we took Brandon's parents out to lunch in honor of Father's Day. While we were waiting for out party to be escorted to a table, a woman approached Brandon and asked if he had a dollar he could give to her. We had no cash and apologized, but moved on pretty quickly and she turned to ask another. I recognized her as one of the homeless women in the area. I watched as she asked each family for some money. She looked so young, so capable. Why was she living on the streets? She must be around my age. Why would she accept begging as a lifestyle? As we ate lunch I couldn't help but think about how I should have invited her to join us. To ask her about herself. To pray over her. I did none of these things.

I remembered back to what I had told Mom earlier that week, "We lost everything." We lost so little in comparison to this young woman. She had obviously come from a decent home, as her hair still had beautiful braiding and dye. She had manners and seemed educated. What did she lose to get here? I don't know what the answer is to that... but I'll bet it really was everything she had. Yesterday I neglected the hungry, and I am ashamed of myself for it. I hope I get the chance to help her again one day. Believe me, next time I will.