it seems as though winter is making up for lost time, lady frost seated in our windows, and i remember him. the man with the plastic beads around his neck, and i wonder if he is warm tonight.
his sign was crammed with black ink. it asked for spare change, but then it went on for paragraphs saying “God blessing you,” over and over, slanting sideways in squished-up letters and he sat below his sign, wearing a beaded necklace, no older than me.
i walked past and i smiled. i see you, i see you, i thought, i just don’t believe in giving money and i would raise you from the sidewalk if i could, like peter and john, for i serve the same God but for some reason i can’t do the same miracles.
and i entered the farmer’s market, just yards from where he sat, produce piled high and tubs of honey and the world full of food, and the streets full of hungry people.
(over at A Deeper Story today friends... follow me there? and pray for this man, won't you?)
1. link up a post (old or new) between wednesday and friday that you feel is 'broken' or 'imperfect' or somehow redemptive
2. put the 'imperfect prose' button at the bottom of your post, so others can find their way back here (see button code in right-hand column of my blog)
3. read at least one other person's linked-up prose, and give 'em praise!
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*"the fugitive" by emily wierenga (see my etsy shop for more paintings and prints)
28 comments:
It's nice to meet you Emily. I've joined your linky party. I'm praying for this man right now. I don't give money in this way either, as I think sometimes it does more harm than good. It's hard not to though, isn't it?
Emily, this is like everything you write - I read you and Ann and Amber because your writing is soul writing - and I have learned and continue to learn. I'm leaving the comment here instead of Deeper Story because - well - I just feel more comfortable here. You have been a whisper of grace in an often challenging first year of blogging. Anyway - I think there are many miracles...you seeing his sign...that painting...the perogies...your heart for Our Lord. And a million more that both of us missed. God bless you and all of yours Emily.
I gave money last year - to a man who stepped in my van's path as I turned onto the interstate. I thought a man willing to do that was really in need - and gave him $30 - all I had. Told him to love someone else when he got where he was going. A few months later, he was back - a panhandler who worked the interstates.
Discernment for how to help is so important.
I can't wait for the frost to show up on my window panes soon! Thankful we are warm inside!
Oh Emily - Your precious eyes that see the unseen! I am thankful for them and for your words that speak, Christ.
I know that Christ did so much more than we can see here on earth, by you simply "seeing"and caring for this man. Thank you for this great reminder, Emily. I love your heart!
So many ways to be hungry it makes me weep.
I love how you want to pull him up from the street.
I come here again and again and again, Emily, because week after week, you teach me how to love, how to see what He means when He tells us to love.
I love your prose...so from the heart. This is a wonderful blog. Love you paintings as well.
Have a fabulous day!
Heading that way for the rest of the story.
Loved the rest of your story, Em, and pray that God will give me insight as I go about my day when it comes to helping others. Blessing to you! You never cease to give encouragement.
i love your new little "e" tab. i love clicking on it and visiting you.
A beggar knocked on my door and I gave him all I had in my wallet, $250. I saw, two days later, he was arrested for vagrancy. I hope he was able to keep the money I gave to him.
Oh Em, I just love your heart and your words. Praying for this man now.
you know this speaks to me...smiles...a beautiful heart ma'am...sorry i am late to the party...had to keep censorship out today...smiles.
Emily,
Thank you, friend.
Jennifer Dougan
www.jenniferdougan.com
yes so many...when many are also so plentiful and empty handed to give.
Yes, dear Emily, to your request on my blog, of course yes.
I left a comment at A Deeper Story...I accidentally hit the enter button when I was deleting my last post, so #46 is my current link...don't know how to delete #45...SO sorry...I am so tech-challenged...
sigh. This really is a wonderful way to explain it. When I get in situations like that I usually just freeze up because I'm so struck by how blessed I am. I don't know.. This is amazing and your writing truly glorifies God.
-sarah
Even I at times wish I could make or wish for miracles to happen .. specially for homeless ..
yes to the seeing each other: i've been chastened just in the past couple days with how frequently i fail to see people, up to and including the very ones who live in this house.
you're a gift, em.
The love and light of Christ shine through you, Emily!
Love and prayers,
Laurie
Yes, "I see you", the same words I need to hear over and over. How we all ache for that, more than anything. Yes, I will pray! Thank you, Emily, for how you stir my heart.
Emily, you are just a jewel, a pure heart that glows in the dark, and I’m so grateful I discovered your lovely words and pure soul, like that homeless man. Hoping to link up here when I determine what to share.
"...because that is something i think Jesus would have said."
That undid me. You have beautiful eyes.
I'm with you, Emily --- I don't like to encourage begging. I do like to help people, though. This Christmas, I honored friends with donations to Heifer International, an organization that helps poor families get on their feet. First time I've made such a donation.
Beautiful broken truth.
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