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| What We're Suppose to Do I was exiting the supermarket one evening and saw a bearded young man sitting on the ground riffling through his backpack. I approached him and tried to hand him three dollars. He looked at me and said, "No thank you." I said, "It's okay. Go ahead take it." He laughed and showed me his wallet with credit cards in it, explaining that he was by no means homeless. He was just waiting for someone who was picking him up. I kind of laughed along with him, although I'm sure that my face was bright red. --Marta, CA I received this as part of an e-mail newsletter entitled embarrassing moments. I'm not sure how I became part of this newsletter, but that's another story. I chose to share this little story with you because I thought it to be rather sad instead of funny. Why was this woman embarrassed to have offered help to someone she thought needed it. Ok, it is a little funny. And I guess if you were that guy, you might be a little embarrassed as well. But what a shame it is that you need feel bad about trying to do some good. I read this scripture earlier this week. It is actually a part of one of the news stories this month, but I found it was also appropriate here. "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a part of it." (I Corinthians 12:26-27). I believe what is meant here is that as Christians we are meant to ease the suffering of others any way we can. The woman in the story was doing just that. That is wonderful. How many times have you quietly walked by a pan handler with your head down, or shaking your head no, before he can even ask you for spare change? How many times has a person begging walked past your car window, and you turned away with the window up, trying not to make eye contact? This woman was offering three dollars! I don't think she should have been embarrassed, I think she should be honored and we should all rejoice in her act of kindness. Isn't this what we as Christians are suppose to do? It's hard to part with money, even spare change. Living in the city, it's hard to tell who is begging out of real need, and who is just running a scam. So most of us find it easier to ignore all beggars. I myself rarely carry any type of cash, that way I can say I have nothing to give and not be lying, therefore avoiding feeling guilty. I guess that's why this woman impressed me so much. Here she was giving without even being asked! What does Jesus have to say about giving to the less fortunate? "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40). And I don't think he would want us to be embarrassed about it either. Time has taught me to give more freely! Or was that God! Anyway, now when asked, if I have change, I give it! As some of you already know, I do feel very strongly about the homeless situation. Especially those here in our own backyard. This is why I'm asking everyone to assist me and the youth of SCC raising money for the Kids Walk for Homeless Kids. Please join the walk or make a pledge to the SCC team. For details check out our missions page and www.kidswalk.org. |
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