Christian Living

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One Shining Moment
© 2008

by

Stephen A. Peterson


Recently, while driving to Oklahoma City to do some shopping at one of the malls, Brenda Warren ran out of gasoline. As she coasted to the shoulder of the highway, she noticed that all of the gasoline selling facilities were on the other side of the road. Rather than cross the highway and the grassy medium, Brenda decided to go under the highway bridge. Walking she noticed a well-worn path leading her to a convenience store that sells gasoline.

A young man name Ted helped Brenda as she struggled to fill her two four gallon gasoline cans. Then he offered to drive her back to her car. Brenda accepted gratefully.

“So you walked through the underpass,” Ted said, pointing towards the pathway.

“Who would be walking under the bridge area?” asked Brenda.

“People who are homeless”. Some of them come from other areas of the state. There are even some who come from other states as well probably because the weather here is not so cold in the winter. They sleep under the bridge because they have no where else to go. Besides this area protects them from bad weather. When it’s cool or cold, it can be nice and warm. When it is hot, it can be nice and old”

“Yes,” he responded. “It is a very small group. They would not harm anyone. At times I give them food, any clothes I can find or a little money. Sometimes I direct them to places in the city where they can get something more—like a bath, medical help, dental help. Stuff like that. Some of the homeless are just down on their luck. A few do have psychological issues that need tending to. I try to help but a few reject the help. I can’t force them to seek help if they do not want it. All I can do is offer them help and a hand up.”

Brenda and Ted arrived at her car. Ted poured the gasoline into the tank for her. “I’ll wait to see you get started and on your way.”

“Sure.”

Through her rearview mirror, Brenda watched Ted wave as she drove away towards the mall to do her shopping. As he became a smaller figure, it seemed Brenda could see the love of God shine from his face. As she shopped for clothing, memories of Ted, his work and kindness compelled Brenda to want to help others she had been helped. That afternoon once her shopping was finished, she found a shelter and made a donation. When she returned to Shawnee, Brenda did whatever she could to find out what agencies were in the community that helped those down on their luck or in need of assistance. She also chose an agency to volunteer some of her time, talent and treasure on behalf of those in need.

There are agencies in or around our communities wherein one may be of assistance to those who need help from time to time. These are not just those who have money needs. Too often we forget the “poor in spirit” who need our help just as much that too often goes unnoticed and with the help they need. One should not wait until they run out of gasoline to find them.

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