20 December, 2008
I know the economy is hitting people very hard lately. It is hitting everyday people like me. People that otherwise would be "okay" to get their families food and buy their kids Christmas gifts. I shutter to think that some child might not have a Christmas this year because mom or dad or both have lost their jobs or/and homes. I constantly remind myself to be so thankful each morning I wake up with a roof over my head, food in the fridge, and a hubby that is still working to pay the bills. Don't get me wrong... we live paycheck to paycheck and pinch pennies where we can, but we HAVE a paycheck and pennies to pinch! I am SO thankful!
That being said, I am reminded today about a situation that I have always debated in my mind and heart. People approaching me for $$ in the parking lot. What do I do? Do I give them all I have? Do I give them a couple bucks? Do I say no? Do I witness? Do I take them into the store and buy them something they need? I have in the past been very critical about homeless people begging on the streets. I get annoyed when they approach me when I have my kids with me. I don't know them or what their intentions are. "Mamma bear" needs to protect her babies! I have at times seen moms with their nicely dressed kids sitting outside of a restaurant with a cardboard sign and thought they were just trying to take advantage and were lazy. I work my tail off for what I have why aren't you?
So many questions flew through my mind in a split second this afternoon when a woman approached me in the parking lot of my local Target. She dressed casual, but nice. Her toenails were painted. Her hair was combed, but a little ratty. All she carried with her was a bag from the dollar store with flowers in it. Her story was, " I have no money to get gifts for my kids for Christmas, so I am selling these flowers to help pay for something for them." She said she had 5 children and no job.
Here are my questions and concerns :
1. If I give her $$ will she use it for what she says she will?
2. Is this nicely dressed woman telling me the truth about her story?
3. Will she use the $$ for herself for drugs/alcohol?
4. Did she only approach me because she thought she could play on my "mother" instinct since I had the baby with me.
5. Does she really have kids?
6. If I say NO will she get combative?
7. Am I being an enabler to continue this life?
Amazing how fast your mind works and all these different questions and scenarios go through your mind in a minute! As she was talking to me, I continued to load my car with the Christmas presents that I had bought. (imagine my mind spinning out of control) What do I do Lord? As clear as day, I had my answer!!
"I love this woman! I am her maker too. It is not for you to judge her or her situation. Bless her as I have blessed you. I am in control of her circumstances. It is not for you to decide if she is worthy of your help. It is not for you to decide if she is telling the truth. You bless her the way you can and she will be held accountable to what she does with that blessing. "
I get it now. For some reason the Lord brought her to me. It isn't for me to judge. What she does with the $$ isn't for me to be critical of. I did what I thought I should. Now it becomes between her and God. I reached into my purse, pulled out $$, and handed it to her. Her face lit up. I told her to keep the flowers. She thanked me. I told her I know times are hard. She said she was waiting on God. I told her to be patient, it will get better. I told her not to stop waiting, He is there!!! I told her as she was walking away --He isn't going to leave you. She turned around and nodded at me. I watched her approach another woman who turned her down quickly and coldly!! I felt badly for her!!!
As I drove home, I quickly said a prayer for her and blessed the $$ I gave her. I prayed that she would use it for what she said she would and not for drugs/alcohol. I prayed for her children.
As I drove home, I quickly said a prayer for her and blessed the $$ I gave her. I prayed that she would use it for what she said she would and not for drugs/alcohol. I prayed for her children.
I think the Lord taught me more today than I had intended on learning on a trip to Target. I still have a lot of work to do in this area. I don't know if I would have reacted the same had a dirty ole man approached me. It is a hard place to be in and to know if a line should be drawn. It is out of my comfort zone therefore "uncomfortable". Do I help the old man who is dirty or do I hold out for the clean woman who says she has starving children at home? It is not up to me who the Lord brings across my path. It is up to me what I do with what HE presents to me.
Sorry this is so long, but I felt a need to share my heart!! Have a blessed Christmas!! Count your blessings! Bless others!
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I also give $ to those who ask me on the streets. My family yells at me saying they will probably be dishonest with it, but I tell them "who am I to judge". If they buy drugs or alcohol with it, so be it. But maybe, just maybe, it will be used for good, even if just once in awhile, and for that, it is worth it. God knows my heart, no matter what choices that person makes, and I think that is what matters most.
Happy Holidays friend.
Thanks Kelly!
Merry Christmas!!!
HUGS,
Alicia
p.s. great post!
Thanks for such an honest post. Thanks for being open to the Lord & teaching me a few things. Great Job!
Jessica
Stacey XOXO
Kim
Also, I want you to know I had chills all over when reading this. The Lord was definately speaking to me. I'm printing this one to share and for keeps!!!
I have struggled with the 'fear' factor more than the judgment factor when it comes to this.
My hubby has always said..ask the Lord...God will tell you 'give' or you will have the spirit of discernment and you should go if you are in danger. I believe you were so blessed because God spoke and you were obedient.
Merry Christmas sweet sister!!