The Fall of Paul

I heard the groans as we approached the counter to check in. The corner of my eye caught sight of the man. He was splayed out on the floor of the hotel lobby. He reminded me of a load of dirty laundry that no one really wants to pick up. It’s easier to walk over the pile. Or at a minimum, walk around it.

I am ashamed to admit that when I first saw him my instinct was not one of compassion. Instead, a three second conversation played itself out in my head. “Is there anyone else here to help?” I look at the overwhelmed desk attendant and my question was quickly answered so I ran to him.

Thus began the thirty minute journey to get my new (albeit inebriated friend) to the safety of his room. Turns out “the pile of laundry” had a name.

It was Paul.

Paul was an ex-marine whose wife had left him. The girl he was currently living with had just kicked him out. He went on to share about the major surgeries he’d recently had. Bottom line, his life was spiraling out of control. The vision I’d had of him, back flat on the floor, seemed symbolic of the current state of his life. Indeed, Paul’s fall was about so much more than lacking the balance to walk.

As I listened to his story I couldn’t help but wonder what his life would look like if someone would come along and help restore REAL balance. The kind of balance that comes with knowing who we are and more importantly whose we are. What would happen if someone would just take the time to invest in Paul?

These thoughts raced through my mind as Paul talked. Once again, Holy Spirit conviction reminded me how begrudgingly I took the time to help him off the floor.

Really, Cindy?

Paul eventually made it to the safety of his room (thankfully a few Good Samaritans came along side to offer assistance). But as I thought about him later that night and the next day I was convicted. As I prayed for Paul and a “someone” to come alongside him I know I was given an opportunity to evaluate the readiness of my own willingness to help.

Paul’s fall has left me praying for him. But I have also been praying for myself. I’m asking God to cultivate mercy in me. I’m asking for an increased awareness of the needs around me. Above all, I’m asking for the faith and obedience to DO whatever it is He is asking me to do.

Today friends let’s spur each other on to do good deeds. Let’s not get too hung up on what it is or what it could/should look like. Today, let’s just do something.

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” Hebrews 10:24 ESV

(Check out Matthew West’s Do Something. L-O-V-E it!)