Searching For Bad Pennies

God-winks

Sitting in the dirt, surrounded by street dwellers, my eyes scanned the area where I had placed my hands. Lying on the ground near me, one of the women our church’s small group serves regularly, was vomiting blood. After checking to be sure where I was sitting had not been contaminated, I looked back up at the woman. She was writhing in pain, moaning, as she moved into the fetal position. Filled with compassion, I didn’t care about what might be on the ground anymore.  Glancing away, not wanting to stare at my hurting, intoxicated friend, an object caught my eye. I smiled briefly, knowing that what some may label irony, was indeed  a “God-wink.” Laying in the dirt next to my hand was an old, dirty, tails-up penny. Blinking away the tears welling up in my eyes, I focused back on the group sitting around me. 

We all know a tails-up penny is bad luck, right? But, have you heard the saying “he (or she) turned up like a bad penny?” This old proverb generally refers to “a disreputable, prodigal person who keeps returning, or the recurrence of any unwanted event.” (www.phrases.org.uk) Reading this definition reminds me of the people that surrounded Jesus. He was continuously questioned and ridiculed by the Pharisees for hanging out with the bad pennies of his time. Jesus spent his time loving the sick, the broken, the drunks, and the adulterers.

Sitting with the Broken

Looking at the faces of those around me, I knew most would be considered “bad pennies.” These are the faces of society’s rejects. They are the faces of drug addicts, alcoholics, and criminals. But, these are also the faces of sons, daughters, parents, and even grandparents. Faces of broken people trying to drown the pain they’ve experienced throughout their lives. People who are walking through life, unable to break free from the grasp of addiction on their own.

Taking in the scene, I breathed deeply, trying to keep my composure as our group listened to their stories. An elderly man shared about his grandpa, a real cowboy, who he loved dearly. His story quickly turned to one of utter heartbreak. The loss of a child had turned him to the streets, thus leaving him with a broken marriage and a son who won’t speak to him. Alcohol soothed his pain, but also destroyed the relationships he had left. Another shared his story of serving in the United States Marine Corp. He was proud of his service, but the flashbacks were too hard to live with.

As they were sharing their stories with us, my friend, a former nurse, moved through the group bandaging wounds. She went from person to person, checking for signs of diabetic ulcers and cirrhosis. Watching her meet the physical needs of these people, in their brokenness, reminded me of how I once treated people like these I sit with now.

Love Does

I always thought I was a “good Christian”, and I’m sure some people agreed, but not too many years ago, I was like the Levite in Luke 10:32. I loved the parable of the Good Samaritan, but I have to admit, I could not be described as such. Back then, you would’ve found me passing by on the other side of the street, attempting to avoid those who needed help. I was not up for awkward conversations and “enabling” unhealthy lifestyles. I told myself if they were able to get their hands on alcohol, they could buy food; and that by not choosing recovery, they were choosing the life they were living. I realize now that the solution is not that simple. Change is hard. But, I do know that everyone needs someone to show them the love of Jesus, and that “love cares more about who’s hurting than who’s watching.” (Love Does, By Bob Goff)

These days, you can find Ray and I driving around, searching for bad pennies. I will bust a U-Turn, even while driving with friends, and jump out of my truck to give a homeless friend a hug, just because I’m relieved to see him alive. We sit and eat with them and learn their stories. Now, instead of avoiding them, I stop to pray with them or give them a ride to church. When its hot, we take them a bottle of cold water. And all the while, we’re praying that when they meet us, they will meet the One who will forever quench their thirst.

To find out more about our outreach visit: ccwm.org/choate