It was Father’s Day.

A day where we celebrate our fathers and hope that we can honor them through something special and out of the ordinary. However, on this day where dads typically feel an extra boost of respect, one father was left broken.

He stood outside the church doors holding a folded cardboard sign. Two kids clearly showing a family resemblance stood awkwardly on either side of him. The three of them peered inside the open doors of the church, an unconditioned building with a fan blowing into the sanctuary. As people exited the building, the father would open his sign.

Here a father stood on Father’s Day – begging.

He came to the place where he has heard people are generous. He came to a place where he has heard people are kind. He came to a place where he has heard there is hope.

He came to church.

This family did not enter the building. They did not partake in the free coffee or listen to the sermon. Instead they appeared at the entrance with only one need in mind: money to meet their mortgage.

Have empathy for the people you come into contact with today. Be open to learning more about their story and clearly showing the grace of God. Listen for that still small voice that calls us to give generously to our neighbors. Be present with those around you and be willing to grow in the amazing love God has for each person.

We are called to be the church.

*Note: Photograph is merely for symbolic purposes and does not represent the family mentioned above.