S T O N E S
What Stone Will You Let Jesus Roll Away Today?
May 19th, 2023
APATHY: No Doubt
(based upon a true story)
Luke 24:2, ‘But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb.’ (NKJV)
“I love the imagery of the stone that covered Jesus’ tomb rolling away when He defeated death. The reality is, we all have stones in our lives…but the good news is: Jesus Christ rolls stones away!” (Christine Caine)
‘Ma’am, can I talk to you? Do you have a minute?’ I nodded, slowly. I had a million things I needed to checkmark on my To Do list today, and several appointments to cap off the afternoon. My husband was handling another plethora of people in crisis and need. But I could have sworn I might have glimpsed unshed tears that clung to his long eyelashes; he dropped his head too quickly for me to know for sure.
‘Sure,’ I mumbled, recalculating my afternoon momentarily. ‘Com’on in. What can I do for you?’ He chewed at his lip, and I now saw him gulp back emotion. It took a few silent moments before his guts and his heart spilled out all over the desk. Finally, he grew quiet, then added in a whisper, ‘I want to go turn myself in, and tell them I give up. It’s easier in prison,’ he sighed sadly. ‘It’s too hard out here. I don’t think I’m going to make it.’ I heard myself answer, ‘Well, why don’t we see what we can do to get you some assistance and some resources. How about that?’ I smiled gently. He was so fragile like he might shatter, becoming a fractured vessel at any moment. My heart might break too as I looked at the brokenness sitting across the desk from me.
An hour later we had him a paid-for bed at a sober living home, a bus pass and a backpack filled with hygiene and essentials, as well as a couple job leads. I had learned he’d been out of prison and on parole for almost two years. He’d remained sober and clean, never once relapsed, which is sometimes a true miracle. He’d lived with family, but when they started doing dirt, he’d wisely chosen to leave so he wasn’t tempted. He’d moved to his car, one he’d bought when he got on his feet, but his family had asked to borrow it, and after their joyride, they’d totaled it. Not only had he lost his car, but he’d also lost his home. So he became homeless, living beneath a bridge, making good money at his job, but unable to rent someplace to lay his head because often young black felons aren’t given second chances or glances.
As he stood to leave, I had to ask him, ‘What was it that made you want to give up? Was there one thing that almost toppled you over the edge?’ I asked. Quietly, he replied, ‘I’ve never had to ask for help. My entire life I have made it on my own. I’ve never needed anything I couldn’t get for myself, and I didn’t know how to ask.’ He lifted the backpack, and smiled a smile that ate the dimness in my office, and also his face. ‘Thanks to you guys and your program, I can take a shower now and with toiletries to use. And I have a pillow tonight where I can lay my head. Thank you so much. You have no idea what this means.’
But, oh, I did. Just welcoming a little bit of empathy and forbidding the judgement and the apathy can go a long ways for someone who is desperately trying to survive. It can mean making it or giving up. ‘Is there anything else we can do to help? We really want success for you. Is there anything else you need right now? You got some food stamps, right?’ Suddenly, his smile died, and the light went out. ‘Naw, they said I made too much money before, so I lost ‘em, but I’ll be alright now.’ He shook the backpack, then grinned and the office lit up again. ‘Actually, do you have any socks? I have blisters on my feet cuz I haven’t had any. That would be the last thing I need.’
It only took me another couple of minutes to get my new friend a gift card for some food and a package of socks, and even though my afternoon schedule and To Do list was thrown off, it really had taken very little time to care. And who knew, we might just have changed this guy’s future. Your compassion is a commodity sometimes that can cover a multitude of needs. There’s no doubt, apathy needs to be rolled right out the door, because it takes up too much room when there are hurting but hopeful people just needing a hand up and a second chance.
Matthew 9:35-38, ‘Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When He looked out over the crowds, His heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. “What a huge harvest!” He said to His disciples. “How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvesters!”’ (MSG)
“IT IS FINISHED!”
