Why The Brown Paper Bag?

Do you know that when you order a signed copy of my book, A Beggars Purse, you will receive an additional gift?  For those of you who have already received your copy, you are well aware of the gift.
That's right, it's a brown paper bag!  Here are some ideas for the use of the bag...


* Place your book in the bag and carry it with you wherever you go.  It's a great icebreaker.
* Pack a lunch in it and hand it to a homeless person.
* If you can't afford to pack a lunch, place a bottle of water and a food bar in the bag.
* How about some toiletries or even a clean pair of athletic socks?

I realize not all of you have a passion for the homeless population like I do and some of the above mentioned ideas may make you feel queasy or even weak in the knees.  I challenge you to just try it one time... let the paper bag do the talking for you.

* Place some canned goods in the bag and drop it off at your local food bank or the food pantry at your church.
* Use it as a visual reference as an act of gratitude.  Attach the bag to your bulletin board, refrigerator or the dashboard in your vehicle.  Be thankful my friends that you have a roof over your head and a satisfied stomach.

The majority of my friends know that whenever a homeless person approaches me and they ask me for food, I will not hesitate to find them a meal.  On the other hand, some of my friends have told me that "those street people" are using me.  I am embarrassed to say this quote has been conveyed to me numerous times by people in the church.
     My question to them is, "How is a person being used when in fact God gives us freedom of choice?  Am I being used by the so-called street people, or am I being used by God?"  I believe the Bible refers to the term as being a servant.  Page 87, excerpt from A Beggars Purse.