Blessed to Be a Blessing

Blessing Bags How To



Have you ever come across a homeless individual and felt totally uncomfortable?


You see them and you know they are in need, but you are not sure what to do. You know that handing them money is not the best thing. But, you also see that they clearly have some needs. Their lips are chapped. They are hungry. They are thirsty. They are asking for help.


I always have this train of thought: Do I hand him money? But then what will he spend it on? Do I drive through that McDonald's and buy him some lunch instead? Are they even homeless, because their clothes don't look shabby. Maybe it's just a scam. Maybe I better roll up my windows and hit the lock button on the doors.


I hate that line of thinking. But I love the idea I read about from Leslie's blog that her church came up with to help. The idea was to make up kits in plastic zipper bags to keep in your car and hand out when you came across a needy person in the community. The bags contain all sorts of necessities. And every one of those necessities is something I take for granted.

They call them "Blessed to Bless Bags." What a GREAT idea!

Here's how to make your own:



Suggested Items:
1 gallon Ziploc bag
1 Juice box
Throat lozenges
Trial size Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen
hand sanitizer
hand or face lotion
packaged hand wipes
chap stick
comb
mouthwash
soap/shampoo
Small selection of ready-to-eat protein rich food such as:
Cheese and crackers
Power bar
Tuna in a bag (no cans requiring an opener)
Granola bar
Beef jerky
One sweet item such as canned fruit or pudding
Plastic utensils and napkin
Washcloth
Small bible, bible tract, or note of encouragement
Prepaid phone card
Gloves/ knit beanie (someone found them for $4/ea at Walmart)
Resource list for the homeless
you could also put in a warm pair of socks, and maybe a gift card


Assemble all the items in the bags and throw in a note of encouragement and/or a small bible. Seal the bags and stow in your car for a moment of providence.

I hope to make a few blessing bags to have in my car and would love for you join me! I would also love to hear your own ideas on how to be a blessing to others!


Let's be God's hands, opening our own, remembering all our blessings are from Him to begin with.


From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more. -Luke 12:48