Homeless man in grocery store

[Kyreurway]

Dear God,
Tonight after church I went to the grocery store to buy water.
When I approached the lane to check out I witnessed a situation, I was unaware of at the time. I was not sure what was going on.
I thought the man was talking to the cashier about an item that was on sale or not ?
I did not want to stare, be nosy or make an assumption. I could not hear what was being said. As I was placing my water and other items on the conveyor belt.
What I thought I saw was the cashier ( who was a boy maybe 16/17)
Looking in his wallet, I thought maybe he was looking for his bonus card or work badge to scam the item in. I was starring at my donuts trying to figure out if I should purchase them, but I kept glancing over, not knowing what was going on?
I saw the man who was in line hand the hit cashier Back the item, it was a small, microwavable chef boyardee meal.
So when it was my turn and I get up to the line I asked what was going on?
The man was 11 cents short and had to put the item Back and gave it back to the cashier,
By the time the kid told me what was going on, I said I’ll pay for it, I looked around but they were gone, him and another woman.
My heart ached and I sobbed when I got into my car and I’ve been crying on and off since this happened around 9pm tonight.
I did not react quickly enough to help or I would have bought the item for him, or have him the 11 cents. I was in disbelief of what was unfolding in front of my eyes and my mind was playing tricks on me, the man looked very skinny, I thought maybe he just got out of work, picking up something quick to eat but after a second thought
It hit me that he cutie he homeless, and in need of help and I didn’t help him.
I have not been able to stop thinking of this, and asking myself why I did not just pop my head over and ask what the issue was? Or ask the stranger if he needed help?
I also do not know why the kid at the cashier desk did not just say hey man don’t worry it’s only 11 cents I got you.
It all happened in slow motion, the boy was just oblivious and just a kid more concerned with doing a hair flip and tossing around his bangs while talking to me and just removed from the situation.
I just can not comprehend what just happened and why he didn’t help?
People leave change pennies and dimes all the time in those change things.
I don’t think he would have lost his job for his register being 11 cents short.
I watched the man walk away as I was placing my groceries on the belt I was a cart away so I could not hear what was happening but I could see, and I just was unclear as to what was actually going on.
I believe the man may have been homeless, he was very skinny, I think he was hungry.
I could be mistaken I could not see in his cart if I can Remember if he even had a cart?
or if he was just removing the one item.
To pay the balance with the money he had.
Something in my instinct and my gut told me
He just didn’t have the money.
I would have bought all their things
I just did not know, I never want to assume.
He did not appear to be on drugs, just down on his luck. There are homes people whether I live, when I can help I do.
Some people try to scam, but someone who has to do that to survive isn’t just faking it
They need help
I pray for forgiveness for not being nosy and asking if he needed help.
It’s keeping me awake tonight
I pray that God protect this man, and the woman he was with
To keep them warm and safe, if they are hungry God provide them with food and shelter that they are warm and safe.
When I came out of the store I looked for them but they were gone already.
I regret not chasing them down as soon as I discovered what happened.
over 11 cents ?
This really bothered me so badly
That when I got home I cried some more.
I Thank God I have food I have shelter I have heat and running water.
I don’t know this persons situation
If they live in the car or what ?
But I sensed something wrong
God please be with this man, help him
make sure he has food to eat, he is not starving or suffering in any way.
When I passed the man and the woman in the isle walking moments earlier I sensed sadness much of it.
I did not want to assume anything but my gut instinct told me he was going hungry
God please help him
I don’t know why I didn’t help
I was trying to mind my own business for once
I wish my man would have just turned to me and said
Ma’am do you have 11 cents I’m short
I would have chuckled and said, yes one second, here ya go.
Problem solved.
When I came home to my warm house
With food to eat, my heart ached and I could not bare the thought of this man not having the basics for survival that we all sometimes take for granted
I hope that this one chef boyardee microwaveable item was lot the only item he was getting that he didn’t have enough money for.
That he had to put back something that was a couple dollars and went without.

Lord Thank you for all that you have given me, let me use the gifts and blessings you have given me to help others.
To draw those in need closer to you Lord
Amen.

 

[Articles]

We understand your distress and commend your compassion for the homeless man you encountered. It's evident that your heart is troubled because you recognize the importance of helping those in need, as the Bible instructs us.

Firstly, let's address the issue of not being able to help in the moment. Remember, God knows your heart and He understands that you did not act out of indifference or malice. It's important not to be too hard on yourself. Instead, use this experience as a learning opportunity. The Bible tells us, Brothers, I do not consider that I have yet laid hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. Philippians 3:13 WEB.

It's clear that you have a heart for those in need, which is commendable. The Bible tells us, If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you tells them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled;” and yet you do not give them the things which the body needs, what good is it? James 2:15-16 WEB. We should be mindful of the needs of others and do what we can to help.

Moving forward, perhaps you can keep some cash or non-perishable items in your car or bag so that you're prepared to help when you encounter someone in need again. And 11 cents short was unfortunate since it can be a small amount to what you might be able to give.

It's also important to pray for wisdom and discernment. Not everyone who appears to be in need is genuinely so, and some people may try to take advantage of your kindness. The Bible instructs us like this, Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16 WEB. We should be wise in our giving, but always ready and willing to help those who are truly in need.

Remember the importance of prayer. You've done well by praying for the man and the woman he was with. Continue to lift them up in prayer, asking God to meet their needs and draw them closer to Him. We should also pray for the cashier that they will be more discerning and helpful to those in need.

Regarding the cashier's behavior, it's important to remember that everyone is on their own journey. The cashier may not have been aware of the man's needs, or may have been focused on following the rules of his job. It's not our place to judge, but rather to pray for him and hope that he too will learn to show more compassion in the future.

Lastly, it's crucial to remember that it is only by the name of Jesus that we have access to God. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5 WEB. In your prayer, you did not mention the name of Jesus. This is vital, as it is only through Him that our prayers are heard by God.

Let's pray together:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You in the name of Jesus, lifting up the man and the woman that Kyreurway encountered. Lord, we pray that You would meet their needs, provide for them, and draw them closer to You. We pray for their safety and comfort, and ask that You would guide them to people and resources that can help them.

We also pray for Kyreurway, Lord. Comfort their heart and help them to forgive themselves for not acting sooner. Give them wisdom and discernment for future situations, and help them to be a beacon of Your love and light in this world.

We pray for the cashier as well, Lord. Help him to be more aware of the needs of others and to show compassion to those around him.

In all things, Lord, we ask that You would be glorified. It is in the name of Jesus that we pray. Amen.

 

[hostadmin]

Dear Kyreurway,

We're here for you, just as you were there for that man in need. It's okay to feel upset, but remember, God sees your heart and knows your intentions. You did the best you could in that moment, and that's what matters.

Next time, maybe keep some spare change or a small food item in your bag or car. It could make all the difference. But also, trust your instincts. If something feels off, it might be. Pray for wisdom to know when to help and when to walk away.

Keep praying for that man and the woman he was with. They need our prayers. And let's not forget the cashier - pray that he grows in compassion too.

Let's pray together:

"Dear Lord, we lift up that man and woman to you. Provide for them, Lord. Keep them safe and warm. Draw them close to you. Comfort Kyreurway's heart, Lord. Give them wisdom and discernment. Help them to be a light in this world. And Lord, touch the cashier's heart. Help him to see the needs around him and respond with kindness. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."