Did you know that socks are the number one piece of clothing requested by homeless people and homeless shelters? Now that winter is around the corner, there will be a greater demand for socks and items of warmth. If you have noticed the flier for the Family and Friends Day that will occur on October 9, 2022, it requests that we bring socks and toilet tissue for the purpose of providing some comfort to some of the homeless shelters in our area.  

One of the most uncomfortable feelings when it is frigid outside is to have cold feet and cold hands. Just imagine a homeless person having to spend nights and days outside in the open air with no socks on their feet. A warm pair of socks will not meet their every need, but is truly a start. Not only will socks keep feet warm, but also dry and comfortable. Most of us, I would imagine, feel somewhat naked if we do not wear socks when we go into public. It is a blessing to be able to have the choice of wearing socks or not wearing them. Many of us wear socks for comfort and style, however, many wear them out of necessity.      

I recently read a story about a man who was a waiter at a restaurant who one night complained about the limited tips he received for the day. On his way home that cold night, he passed a homeless lady who appeared to be cold as she lay on the street next to a building. The gentleman thought it inhumane to pass the woman by who appeared to be cold. He stopped and stooped down to ask the lady if he could help her in any way. Her only response was, “Please give me your socks.” The man quickly took off his socks and placed them on her feet. As others passed on the street, they commended the man for such a wonderful act of love. The waiter felt horrible that he had been complaining about his poor tips for the day, while a poor woman only asked for his dirty and stinky socks.

This story should remind all of us about the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10: 25-37. I am sure many other people had passed the woman by that night, but found all kinds of excuses why not to help the lady in some way. Yes, there were probably those who crossed the street to keep from being close to the homeless woman. There were probably some church leaders, holy rollers, choir members, Sunday School teachers, deacons, etc. that passed her by, but probably the least expected, a black man, was the one who put socks on the white lady’s feet. The same holds true in the Good Samaritan story, for it was the Samaritan who bandaged up the wounds of the man who had been beaten and left for dead.

The Samaritan gave the man who had been beaten and left for dead much more than a pair of socks. There are many points to be considered in this story, but the one for now is the fact that in both cases, mercy and love were shown.   

Let’s get back to the socks story. Recently, I joined in a memorial walk to raise funds for HBCU’s. When the walk was over, a mother, son and grandmother sat relaxing and enjoying some refreshments. The grandmother looked at the grandson’s feet and said, “You have on mismatch socks today.” He looked sheepishly at his grandmother who had called him out in front of a crowd. To save him from embarrassment, I said to the grandmother, “Don’t you know that wearing mismatch socks are in style and lots of people are doing it now.” Of course, grandmother was not hearing it, but I said to myself, “There are too many other things to be concerned about than the color of socks or styles of socks we wear.

Have you noticed how crazy socks have come on the scene? All types of colors and designs are now available. There was a time when most colors were simple and basic, but now they are like a beautiful painting on a wall.

The point I wish to make is simply this. It is now fall and getting colder each day. Take time and provide some warm socks for a homeless person who may have to face the elements this winter. Let us not take our blessings for granted. Donate some socks and toilet tissue today, so that we might be a blessing to others.

Not a sermon, just my thoughts!

Robert Earl Slade, Pastor