This was a forward of a good friend. And in the midst of all the insanity lately; shutdowns, orchestra collapse, runaway girls - I thought it wise to remember that kindness should come in small places and with genuine grace.
The story involves a church congregation of an undisclosed church. They were getting a new pastor and rather than make a major event out of the transfer - he decided to turn it into a life lesson. Jeremiah Steepek disguised himself into a homeless transient who hovered at the back of the church. On Sunday morning as congregants entered, he tried to engage them in conversation. Only 3 members actually took the time to say hello. None of them assisted with requests for food. And he was later asked to leave his pew at the front for seating in the back. Later in the service, the elders of the church greeted the new minister while rows of Sunday morning guests looked around and finally blushed in disbelief that it was the man they had all shunned. His opening line: "Today I see a gathering of people, not a church of Jesus Christ. The world has enough people, but not enough disciples."
Be kind, be generous. You never know whose life you will touch and how.
*I have since received news that this story is viral internet hoax, set forth with good intentions if not fact. But still a message of reflection worth note.
No comments:
Post a Comment