To Help or Walk Away

Below is a copy of my 1/21/2014 post from Facebook. I helped out a lady in "need" but was conflicted if that was the right thing to do. I even included the responses I got back – which were conflicted too. Now I told this story to a very spiritual friend of mine recently who immediately concluded that this lady was actually Jesus – in disguise. Though it is a great thought, but I really don't think this was Jesus. I could be wrong but I also forgot to mention something else in my post. This lady told me that her dog’s name was Lucifer. I will admit that this name is a lot less foreboding than “satan” and much easier to pronounce than “mephistopheles”. Even with this name, one might expect a large Rottweiler type dog. But Lucifer was a cute, fat, and very old schnauzer with no hellhound stereotypes.  His most unredeeming quality was his smell. Not sulfur or brimstone but definitely a bad case of DO – doggy odor. I think that Jesus would name his dog with something that sounded a little gentler like Cuddles or Fluffy.  Here’s my facebook post –

 

What is everyone's opinion and thoughts on panhandlers. We have a lot of them around here. Today I saw a 50+ old Caucasian female by Meijers who could barely hold her sign she was shaking so bad from the cold (it was 11 degrees). I want to help but I'm afraid because so many of them are just drug addicts or have some severe mental issues. Are we really helping them or helping out the drug dealers/users? I did stop and pick up the lady. She was freezing. I bought her lunch and then we went shopping in Meijers. I got her a bunch of supplies and food and a nice space heater for her mobile home. I even drove her back to her trailer in Maumee. But my stomach and heart hurt. I want to think I helped her but part of me wonders if I just got taken for a bunch of money. What do you do when you see someone like this?

I work in community service and there are many resources to help those in need. I do not give to pan handlers, I try to donate to places that help those in need, i.e. food banks, homeless shelters ect. My sister always gives but I tell her to be careful. She had a situation where a guy approached her asking for gas money with a story about his wife being in the car and running out of gas, she gave him $20. The very next week the same guy, in the same area came up to her with the exact same story and she told him he told her that story the week before and walked away. I don't know if she still gives as freely as she used to after this incident. I would say do what is in your heart and hopefully you touched hers by taking the time to sit and eat with her, just be careful and aware that the story you are being told may not be the truth.

I pray for them that they will find long lasting relief. Offering warm clothes and food is what St. Francis would have done. The question is: Why was she panhandling in Oregon if she lives in Maumee? and how did she get there? There are organized rings of panhandlers with, well, pimps that take their earnings. Anything you bought her that can be sold probably will. Your kindness is not lost on her though. Just protect yourself.

                                 I think you did a wonderful thing, and she will be eternally grateful to have that direct connection to another person who saw her as a human being, not just a beggar. This was absolutely the right thing to do in this situation. Wish more people would do it. Having said that, I don't give a dime, cup of coffee or the time of day to anyone in DC. I've noticed the same panhandlers, sitting in the same spots for 8 years. I imagine some of them have a higher take home pay than I do from the income they make off tourists. There is one woman in particular that sits on a milk crate outside the Rosslyn metro station. She has been holding the same cardboard sign for 8 years that reads: "unemployed mother if 3, need food." My first question is, who is home with your kids? Secondly, your kids are grown-up by now (according to my coworkers she's been sitting there for years before I saw her) shouldn't your kids be out working and providing for you? Thirdly, why does a Lincoln Town Car pick you up every night (I haven't witnessed this, but that's the word on the street)? There are certainly those in need, like the woman you helped, but it is hard to be charitable when some choose to take advantage of the kind-hearted.

I was looking for scripture to support what you did Laura & there is plenty. But here's just one reference. Isa. 58:6 "No, the kind of fast I want is that you stop oppressing those who work for you and treat them fairly and give them what they earn. Isa. 58:7 I want you to share your food with the hungry and bring right into your own homes those who are helpless, poor, and destitute. Clothe those who are cold, and don't hide from relatives who need your help. Isa. 58:8 "If you do these things, God will shed his own glorious light upon you. He will heal you; your godliness will lead you forward, goodness will be a shield before you, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind. Isa. 58:9 Then, when you call, the Lord will answer. 'Yes, I am here,' he will quickly reply. All you need to do is to stop oppressing the weak and stop making false accusations and spreading vicious rumors! Isa. 58:10 "Feed the hungry! Help those in trouble! Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you shall be as bright as day. Isa. 58:11 And the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy you with all good things, and keep you healthy too; and you will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. I truly believe that the act of compassion & generosity you showed is pleasing to God. If He tells us to help the poor we ultimately are not responsible for how it is spent, but just that we were obedient to what He asks.
Secondly, I know here in Lincoln NE there are more than enough resources for homeless people & those who work closely with them to provide do say to not give money, but food is ok & clothing, blankets etc. I don't think that is the case in all places but knowing that here helps me to know to not give money to enable a bad habit. You have a good heart! Thank You for serving those less fortunate!