Proverbs 18:10 (NRSV) The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.
She stood outside the convenience store. She watched me as I walked past her and then her attention turned to my wife who was sitting in the car. From the store I saw her go over to the car. Another homeless beggar, I thought. When I returned to the car my wife introduced me to Kristi, who needed a ride to a pawn shop where she could trade her camera for some money. We gave her the ride.
On the way, I learned that Kristi had recently moved to our area. She was staying at a motel and she was broke. All she needed, she said, was a little money. We prayed with Kristi, gave her my cell number, offered our friendship and the promise to help her if she called. And we paid for another night in that cheap, sleazy motel.
What Kristi really needed was a strong tower, a safe place, and the willingness to run into it. She needed the Lord. We provided that strong tower for about 20 minutes in our car. I’d like to say she made Jesus her Savior and reunited with her family. She simply said, “Thank you,” took our money and her camera into the pawn shop as we drove away. We’ve never heard from her since.
There are a lot of Kristi’s out there who need a strong tower and a safe place. Look for them. They are not invisible. Pray for them. God will show you what to do. Amen.