Diapers Needed

This morning was a normal morning in the office- submitting budget stuff, remembering conversations from Sunday and checking voice-mails, but there was a knock on my door.

You see as I was driving to church this morning I saw a Single Mom with 2 kids in a stroller crossing College Road (one of the main roads in Wilmington). The boy looked to be about 2 yrs old was actually sitting on top and the little girl in the stroller seat was not far behind him in age. When I saw them I thought for a brief moment what life would be like if that were me. The thought came in and left just that fast and I continued on to the things pressing in on the day.

But that knock changed it all for me.

There, standing in my doorway, was that mom and 2 kids. She was peaceful and not demanding as some are when they seek help from our church. The little boy was hoof the hook with energy and I enjoyed a good tickle as I reached down to say hi. The little girls was skeptical, but had a precious smile so I just greeted here with a pleasant hello.

Mom only wanted diapers. She didn’t expect us to give her anything for food or rent. Just diapers. She had just returned from LifeLine crises pregnancy center in search for size 5 diapers, and they only had new born size. That’s when I saw them I guess on their way from LifeLIne to our church.

Why is it that God brought her to my office?

We called around and found a place close by that had size 5 diapers on-hand and sent her on her way. We found some bus tickets to help out and even a gift card for the grocery store. To be kind, I walked her to the door in which she entered and wished them a good day. THe little boy was running with joy to be outside, and Mom was grateful for the small gifts we gave her. But was that enough?

As I walked back in the church i passed empty classrooms filled with toys for preschoolers. The halls were empty and quiet, so quiet all I could hear were my own footsteps. My mind began racing and my heart was broken. I felt despair, even though that’s not at all what the Mom portrayed.

Why is it we has asset after assets piled to the ceilings and in the halls, but no way to help a single mother who’s seeking a help up? What is the church’s role? What is my responsibility as a pastor? My responsibility as a Jesus follower?

Why is it so hard?

I walked back to the window and watched as the three of them headed to the bus stop to go get diapers. Would I see them again? What are they thinking as they walked away from an organization with a $1.3 million dollar budget, but no money for diapers?