And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” Mark 1:40-41

How the leper humbled himself before Jesus. I can almost feel the desperation in this plea. Lepers were outcasts in society. While we don’t have many lepers in our society, when I think of the outcast I think of the homeless living on the streets, standing on the corner with a sign. Yes, there are some that are there to make easy money and give others a bad name, but there are many with a sincere heart and a desperate need. I see their faces, their eyes of hope that seemed to be fading, amongst the rejection and the insults hurled their way by passers by.

It breaks my heart when I see anyone in need like that, but I have a tender spot in my heart for the veterans and single parents or families. I don’t understand how society can allow either of these scenarios. Veterans put their life on the line and should not be begging, without food or shelter. And families, well no child should be homeless. Children didn’t create the problem and shouldn’t face the consequences of their parents actions. So often these two groups are just one crisis away from the streets and our society should do better. Instead of avoiding them we should be Christ’s hands and feet ministering to their needs.

Lord show me where to get involved and how to be your hands and feet. I want to be used as you would use me. Let all of Your children rise up to meet the needs of our communities.