By Robert E. Grice, Ark Director

Several months ago I called a friend in South Carolina who said he had just finished watching The Pursuit of Happiness.  The girl at the rental store said that she cried when she watched the movie.  My 10-year old grand-daughter made a similar statement.  I watch few movies that I know will make me sad.  I work with the sad and the glad.  Usually the sad help and the glad are the ones who are helping.

            Tears are not unusual at The Ark.  Some are shed by those who are hurting.  Others are tears of joy from being used by the Holy Spirit to be a blessing.  The Pursuit of Happiness for those who have not seen the movie is a true story about a man and his son, who become homeless.  The movie depicts the different experiences of the two.

            Many people and all followers of Jesus are concerned about others.  Tears are good for us.  They help us express grief.  Recently, my friend Thomas Robinson died suddenly.  I not only grieve for my loss but I hurt to see my family weeping. Someone said that the eyes are the windows of the heart and they often need washing.  It is good to have a gender heart, but we also need tender actions.  It is not enough to just cry over people. We need to get involved in helping those who weep.

             Sometimes you wonder if you are really helping people or are you just being taken advantage of.  Of course, some you help and some won’t let you help them.  You have to do what you do because it is the right thing to do.  The love of Christ constrains us.  Those who are Christians must understand that when we give out food, clothes, or visit the sick and those in prison we are doing it to Jesus Christ.  The Ark gives us many opportunities to dry the eyes of others.

             The man in the movie went on to open his own business.  A business he later sold for several million dollars.  My daughter saw him on television and said he gave a strong Christian testimony.  We need to remember that though someone might be hurting or needy today it does not mean they will be in the future.

            You can do more than crying by praying, giving, and volunteering.  Tears are good but they won’t pay the bills, provide food, or clothes nor will they provide encouragement.  The Ark invites you to join us as we seek to wipe away the tears of others. 

The Ark is located at 475 W. Main St. in Dothan .  Food ministry hours are from 9:30 am to 11:45 am Tuesday through Thursday.  The thrift store is open from Monday to Saturday.  Call 794-7223 for more information.

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