I was taking my "normal" lunchtime walk around Center City Charlotte today. By "normal," I mean that I step out the front door of our building and then see which way I'm led. I rarely have a destination in mind, but spend at least 30 minutes each day walking for both exercise and mental therapy.
Why am I "led"? Why don't I just walk? I learned an important lesson this summer while on a mission trip to San Ramon, Costa Rica. That lesson was just be quiet, be absorbed by the silence, and listen for God. I use my walks each day as my TAG time (Time Alone with God).
When I left my office today, I was led across Tryon Street heading towards Stonewall. As I was walking, I noticed the people on the sidewalk ahead of me slowing down and taking pictures. Ahead of them was a beautiful woman who was obviously down on her luck. The woman was wearing a large hat to block the sun, sunglasses, and a flowing dress. So why were people gawking? This woman obviously had not bathed in a while, was missing her left leg, and had to use braces on her arms to help her walk. This woman was accompanied by her dog who was not on a leash, but looked lovingly at the woman and never ventured from her side. This woman had also made a type of carrier to put on her dog's back so that the dog could help carry groceries, etc.
As I approached, this woman looked at me and almost ashamedly asked if I had any spare change. This is where I struggle. Does the person really need help or are they just looking for an easy handout for cigarettes or their next fix?
Matthew 25:35-40 (NLT) tells us "35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ 37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,[a]you were doing it to me!’"
Thus, my dilemma. As you can probably tell by now, I saw the woman's beauty and potential instead of her challenges. When she asked if I had any spare change I cheerfully replied, "Of course" and gave her a $5 bill. Was I a fool? Maybe. But for the price of a good latte, I made both myself and someone else smile. For me, this is a good day.
Good post. I encounter this dilemma when I run across a man I've given quite a bit of money to, and yet 10 years later, he's still on the street. He's one of those guys that isn't humble enough to just ask, he talks AT you for 10 minutes about religion and how he's working for reform for the homeless and how you should give money and by the end you feel like you're paying him to go away. Him, he gets no dough. But for anyone who simply asks, they receive for the reasons you mention. I have no idea what that person is going through and give them what I have.
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