When I Give the Homeless Money
I am with my niece and nephews every Wednesday in the summertime. These kiddos crack.me.UP.
Every week I am laughing over something hilarious that they say or comment on, really, they could have their own show.
Last week, I rolled down the window at a stop light and gave the homeless guy standing there, some cash. My niece says to me after we drive away,
"Auntie Gina! What are you doing? Why are you giving him your money (she laughs sweetly, quietly)!?"
I say,
"What do you mean, why?"
She says,
"You know what he's going to do with it, don't you?"
I say,
"No, what?"
She says,
"He's probably just going to spend it on something he doesn't need like cigarettes or for drinking, they always do don't you know that?"
I am well aware that this is the popular opinion of the general public. And I can't say that I disagree. The thing is, is this. I told my niece that I feel that I am being obedient. God has flat out asked us to take care of the poor in many many ways, and one of the ways I can do that is by giving some cash when I drive by a corner they stand on. I told my niece Sophia that it didn't matter to me what the guy does with the money after I give it to him, what matters is that I gave it to him. God looks at my heart. God is concerned about my responses in life and loving people. And by showing this homeless man some mercy by giving him some cash, is loving him and loving God, and I told Sophia that that is all that mattered.
I also told her that I can pray for that man, and that there is a lot of power in prayer.
I am sure she never heard it that way before, but she seemed to understand and liked the new way to look at it. I love teachable moments with kids. I am SO going to miss, I already do, those moments with my own girl.
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ReplyDeleteAmen! My thinking is along the same lines. I may not flippantly hand out twenty dollar bills, but even if I did what the homeless/needy person does with the money is between them and God. It's not for me to judge or worry about. I pray for the person; that they can get back on their feet soon. That they stay warm or cool enough overnight. That if they have an addiction, they can overcome it. That they can find their next meal, ect.
ReplyDeleteInstead of feeling bad for not having a few bucks on me, I try to keep gallon or quart zip baggies with bottled water, peanut butter or cheese crackers, gum, mints, socks and a handwritten note in the car. Not once have I had someone turn the offer away.
What a great way to look at it! Of course, so many people follow that opinion and belief system of them just buying drugs and alcohol, but we don't know their situation, and more importantly it's not our place to judge. Such an inspirational post this early in the morning! Thanks for brightening my day already!
ReplyDeleteLove Love Love this! Thanks for the reminder about obedience.
ReplyDeleteWell said! Prayer is powerful and obedience is always the right thing to do. Praying you will have many more teachable moments, even if they do not come as often as they did in earlier years!
ReplyDeleteAmen! I think I'm of the belief that in these types of situations God has called me give abundantly, and He holds me accountable to my acts of giving... how what I give is then used... the receiver is accountable before Him, not me... if that makes sense.
ReplyDeleteLove your sweet soul! xo
ReplyDeleteThat is so sweet!
ReplyDeleteI have mostly agreed with your niece until now, but I really love your perspective. So true.
ReplyDeleteThis is good stuff. I don't give money BUT we will always buy someone a meal. In fact my husband will not pass someone like that with out offering to buy them a meal.
ReplyDeleteafterall you might be entertaining angels :)
Gina! I love this. So true. It's about our obedience. What happens in the free will of another is not our business. Other than prayer.. xo
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