Who Are The Needy?

January 6 was a great day for my family. Florida State won the National Championship! (This probably only means something to a select few—and my readers who are Auburn fans might be booing at their computer screens right now.) My brother and most of my best friends are FSU alums and out of loyalty (and because I think FSU’s colors are superior to all other college team colors) that makes me a huge Seminole fan. *chop*

My brother was a walk-on football player for two Springs. He had an opportunity to work out and play with some awesome people. One such person was Todd Williams.

“Before the “Blind Side” book and movie told the story of Michael Oher, there was Williams, a troubled youth who was homeless following his grandmother’s passing in 1993 from complications from diabetes.”Read more here:

(Watch a special on Todd Williams’ life here: http://youtu.be/G0-he86ofyY)

Todd was a giant, powerful looking guy—exactly what an offensive tackle should be—but inside he was so tender hearted. He was one of Jason’s roommates for a while, and they become good friends.

Todd lived on his own for years. If it weren’t for the kindness of teachers and other people stepping up and making sure he was taken care of he, like so many other young people, would have fallen through the cracks.

This brings me to the question that I have made the title of this blog: who are the needy? I hear so much about the visible homeless. Friends of mine post about giving money and supplies to those who wander the streets, begging. Yes, there are many needy people out there. And yes, there are those who beg. But there are countless other people in this world who are needy, but because they aren’t as visible, because they aren’t begging and asking for help from those who walk by, they get very little attention.

It troubles me that we look to our government to do what we should be doing ourselves. But who really wants to go there? Who wants to get their hands dirty? Who wants to go to the projects or poor areas and knock on doors? We don’t. We say we’re afraid for our lives—and in some cases, that fear is legitimate. But how many of us look around and ask ourselves how we can personally make a difference in the lives of those who are invisible? Serving at a homeless shelter is great—but there is SO much more work to be done. There are children who need meals brought to their home. Children and teenagers who need to be mentored.

My parents lived in the projects of Atlanta, Georgia in the 80’s (before the Olympics came and Atlanta cleaned things up a bit). They dedicated the best years of their lives to working with children and families who were needy. The families they knew weren’t wandering the streets, begging. They were the silent. The “invisible” in our society. My parents lived among them and joined their community. They were just as poor as their neighbors. They had no health insurance and worked several jobs to be able to afford food. They did what they could, because they felt they were called to make a difference. Over the years, I’ve thought about whether or not I could be so unselfish. I don’t think I have what it takes to do what they did. But I do know that I have a responsibility to do SOMETHING when and where I can. I have a responsibility to look around and pray and ask for opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those who are in need.

This winter so many froze in their homes because they didn’t have blankets (my parents knew of families who didn’t even have sheets for their beds and turned on their ovens for heat). We have no problem giving money or dropping off blankets to the visible shelters but . . . . going there? No way.

I’m not saying it’s a good idea to wander around and knock on doors—that’s invasive, unwise, and technically rude. I’m just trying to make the point that if we truly want to make a difference we need to be willing to do more than just hand a homeless person a dollar or volunteer at a shelter once a year. We need to be a part of our communities by serving those who aren’t necessarily begging to be served. Some of the hardest working, needy families NEVER get any assistance because they won’t ask for it.

There are countless organizations and ministries around that would absolutely love some help. They aren’t necessarily well-known charities. They are usually comprised of a few local people who are trying desperately to help. There are also countless teachers who know full well who the silent and invisible are. If you know a teacher, ask if there are any students in their class that have needs. Can you imagine if we just COOKED for a family once in a while? Or bought some clothes? School supplies?

I’m not trying to oversimplify a serious problem in our society. I know things aren’t as simple as I’m making them out to be in this blog. I’m just trying to remind people—including myself—that if I REALLY care, I will do more than ask my government to do something, donate a few bucks, or volunteer once a year. I need to at least be willing to get my hands dirty.

Todd Williams passed away before Florida State had finished the game. Our hearts were rejoicing the night of the game and the next morning, our hearts were heavy as we grieved for our friend and we all thought . . . what would have happened had people ignored him? Are there any other Todd Williams out there? What can WE do?

I don’t know when, where, or how I can make a difference. But my eyes are open and I want to help. Serving ONE family, or even ONE child will be worth it. Can you imagine if we ALL served… ONE?

Rest in peace, Todd. I’m glad you’re with Jesus.

Watch a special on Todd Williams’ life here: http://youtu.be/G0-he86ofyY

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