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Thursday, March 7, 2013

Helping others


I drove by a young lady this afternoon who was standing at the edge of a busy intersection holding a sign.  It said, please help my family in large letters and underneath was written the words, bills, diapers and something I did not have a chance to read.  My light was green.  I went on my way to the interstate where I had a two hour drive ahead of me.  That gives you time to think.  I wondered about that young lady.  It would really wound my pride to stand beside the road and ask for help.  But, would I do it if my family needed help?  Then the question creeps in my mind, did she really need help?  As much as we would like to think that no would would--many people make a good living by panhandling.  I hope that life gets easier for that young family and they get help.  Maybe someone will direct her to an agency that can help.  I like to give people the benefit of the doubt. I want to help out when I can but I am always torn as to whether the stranger asking is really needy. I suppose I am feeling a little guilty for not helping.  After all if you give someone a gift, how the gift is used is up to them.

4 comments:

Maureen said...

It is difficult to know what is the right thing to do in these situations. I like your last line, "After all if you give someone a gift, how the gift is used is up to them."

Pat Holloway said...

I understand how difficult it is to know if a person is truly in need. We want to help but we don't want to find out our contribution is used to further a habit. Communities usually have organizations that lend a helping hand. It would be simple if things worked like they were supposed to.

Jackie said...

I have the same feeling when I see someone holding a sign asking for help. Sometimes I stop and give some money...or groceries...but there is that nagging feeling that maybe I was 'taken'. I hate that I feel that way as I feel I am being judgemental. I like that you said it is their gift to use.

Nanc said...

This is a very honest and heartfelt post. Experts would say not to stop. People I trust would say if you want to stop or go back, in this case, give some diapers or take the person to a sandwich shop...or give a card to our Willow Care Center, if you are near Chicago. xo