Picking up where I left off…with sincere thanks for your VERY thoughtful comments.
But it’s not a perfect world and that night no one would be coming home with me.
In the few minutes between Krystal and Lifeway, the mind-war waged. The saga of Elizabeth Smart replayed–didn’t that begin with her parents hiring her deranged kidnapper because they felt sorry for him?
Memory transported me back 37 years. One of the most distinct memories of my mother (I can’t believe it didn’t surface when I was writing this) was her concern for others. She drove an old sedan, and I can remember on hot sunny days and on the dreadfully rainy, filling our car with double? triple?? layers of schoolmates–some we knew and some we didn’t–and driving them to the Projects in our home town. I hated it when she did this; when I close my eyes to remember, I can still smell the stench of unbathed bodies; I didn’t understand what it was or why it might be until I was much older. Unencumbered by seat belts, we were a tangled mass of black and white, and there was no regard for my need or want for "personal space"…Mama thought some things were more important than my "right" to comfort.
and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?
When did we see you a stranger and invite you in,
or needing clothes and clothe you?"
I wonder at what age I began to see my mother as a hero for this action. This was the late 60s and early 70s where racism was still rampant in the South. She didn’t care what others might think, her heart couldn’t be bridled by such ridiculous insanity.
It’s fascinating how conflicting thought rages epic battle in mere seconds, yes?
Before I made it back to the bookstore, I saw them a block closer to where I was. The entire family: in addition to Tammy and her baby, her husband and two sons were with her now. I turned into the parking lot adjacent to them, while simultaneously rolling down my window. Tammy was looking for me.
I grinned and asked, "Today isn’t your birthday by chance, is it?". It wasn’t, but her daughter had just celebrated her second birthday over the weekend. Her two elementary-aged boys thought my question a game and excitedly told me when their birthdays were. I told Tammy and her husband, Allen, I had brought them a gift card to Krystal, and after asking "How much?" she was relieved and grateful.
I couldn’t leave it at that…so in typical form, I gently asked questions–Allen was born here but they had been in Ohio most recently to care for his mother…he didn’t have a job yet, but wanted to return to the area, and he was "looking"…they were going to try to secure temporary housing the next day…. Tammy said, "I’ll pray for you and you pray for me," and I could tell they wanted to move on. I had to pick up my daughter from a friend’s house, so we said our good-byes and parted.
I visited with Rachel’s friend’s mom for about half an hour, and when we pulled out of their drive, I told Rachel what had just happened. She wanted to meet this family, and I was curious to see if they were still at Krystal; I knew it was possible enough time had passed they could’ve come and gone…or not gone at all.
When we reached the restaurant, it was empty (around 8:00 p.m.). By this point, though, I was on a mission to find them. To corroborate their story? To help them further? A self-serving need-to-know of my own? I don’t know for sure, but I turned in the direction of the Microtel.
About a block from Krystal, we found them walking on a VERY busy road, even at night. They didn’t see us. I turned toward the motel they mentioned, but couldn’t find it…and I wavered in my hope they were telling the truth. I turned around and headed back to where I had seen them, drove past them (still searching) in case I had the location wrong, and the last time I saw them they were at a stop light getting ready to cross the street. It was just before night cover.
Throughout this whole pursuit, Rachel and I were talking. I lamented the fact I couldn’t help the way I really wanted, how I was obligated to protect my family and even myself for their sake, and questioning whether or not the Owens were telling the truth.
whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers
of mine, you did for me.’
In the end, the truthfulness of their story didn’t matter as much to me as these truths:
My sincere desire was simply to glorify God by incarnating His son…in essence to love Him by loving others. I’m pretty certain that’s important to Him.
Second, my daughter’s response: "Mom, even if it was a scam, you blessed ME by what you did…". She has commented on more than one occasion that she’s sick of "people" talking about what you should do at the expense of actually doing it.
A teachable moment? Certainly not the intent. But with that, I knew in an instant I was blessed to be a blessing, only to be unexpectedly blessed again.
Life interrupted or divine appointments? I wonder how often I see one and not the other.
Scripture excerpted from Matthew 25:31-40, New Living Translation
Photo credit: Allposters.com
As usual, you’ve really given me something to think about. Am I a true Christian or just pretending to be? I would have passed her by. You didn’t. Thank you for this. Thank you for reminding me, with scripture, of what needs to be done. I just wish it wasn’t so hard.
Very interesting post – it gave me cause to stop and think. I was always taught to be so cautious.
Again, your Mom did some nice Jesus actions.
Beautiful, Robin. You’ve blessed us all with this story.
And passing the torch to your daughter too. very cool.
That was beautiful!
It saddens me when I feel uneasy or scared to help someone in need. My wish would be for the world to be a kinder, safer place. A world where we could trust people and not worry that they are out to harm us.
I LOVE your blog!
I wonder how often I see one and not the other, too.
Thanks for telling us the rest:).
xo
Thanks for finishing the story! It certainly reminds me of many times I have NOT helped when I felt I should. Thanks for giving me something to think about!
I’ve had to turn and walk the other way when I’ve “given” out of my heart.
I’m afraid I’ll lose my blessing if I stop and double check. Our world shapes us in ways we don’t even realize.
Very cool story, Robin. I waited for the ending to leave a comment. You did a great job conveying your internal conflict–wanting to help, wanting to be wise, wanting to obey God. I struggle with the same things.
I love the way you interwove the scripture. It was effective in a literary sense, but also convicting. I pray God blesses the Owens family and also protects the seeds that were planted in Rachel’s life.
Love, Jeanne
A few things really stand out from your writing here. And btw, it’s fantastic writing. First, your honesty is appreciated. It’s hard to admit frustrations in such situations. Your suspecting the truthfulness or lack thereof her statements; your motivation for circling back; and your justification for not bringing them home with you. All feelings and emotions most of us would encounter, but perhaps not admit. Second, Rachel’s comment to you is of course touching. And your unintention of it being a teachable moment is what MADE it a teachable moment. It was NOT contrived. Not forced. Natural. And yes, once again honest. Reflect back on moments such as these then next time you feel doubts in your parenting.
First of all, your mom obviously rocked.
Second of all, you rock.
Third, your daughter does too.
What an awesome story. I’m inspired, and I love how you elevated the Truth of Christ and His call for us to be incarnations of Him OVER the truth or falsehood of the words spoken by those we serve. I think it’s easy to talk ourselves out of serving others because they won’t appreciate it, or they will take advantage of us. But we aren’t called to serve only those who serve us in return. Or even those who will be grateful for our service.
Thanks for these posts, Robin. Wonderful writing.
Great story. Great lesson. How many times do I react based on fear, suspicion or judgement instead of God’s expectation? Too many, I’m afraid. Great food for thought today.
Love in practice is always better than love in words.
Whenever I do find myself listening to the call of God, I’m amazed at how God provides more than I let go. Giving for the glory of God is always a blessing, not only to others but more so to my and my family. I want them to learn the valuable of lesson that none of it is mine anyway.
Thanks for sharing your story, Robin. I often find it hard because I’m afraid that someone will think I’m gloating, but more often than not, it’s the encouragement that I hoped it would be.
It’s beautiful to see your mother’s legacy lived out in you and to see you pass that on to your daughter.
Your mama would be proud.
CPA Mom, it always intrigues me that what is SIMPLE is rarely easy….
Beckie, I’m “Carpe Diem” meets “Calculated Risk-taker”. Drives me crazy sometimes…!
DaddyD, she DID, didn’t she? I love that thought–Jesus with skin on :).
Kelly, wouldn’t it be perfect if they “caught” all the good things and NONE of our flaws??
Dawn, it doesn’t look like you’re a blogger, so I can’t come visit, but thanks for your thoughts here :). It infuriates me, too, my hands feel tied at times–how do you know who to help? Who might hurt you??? At least in this instance, I saw a glimpse of the good….:)
TLG, I can’t speak for you, but for me? Well…yeah…I know the answer :/.
Jen, well…t h i n k i n’ about something is the first thing to DOING something! 🙂
Pamela, I hear ya…sometimes when I’ve “looked over my shoulder”? Yeah…scammed :/.
Jeanne, one day, my friend, we must meet.
Robert, thank you for sharing your more-than-generous thoughts. You gave ME even more to consider! 🙂
Brandon, you, too Mister. Sometimes when I hear this kind of response, I don’t quite know what “to do” with it. I mean, this chain of events is not a source of pride for me, but it could be. It’s humbling–have I ever had to ask for help to feed my children? No! It just seems to be the RIGHT thing to do, and I so want to see Christ in the midst…and fight the urge to have an agenda.
Crud…sorry…I think I’m rambling. THANKS for your kind words–they buoy me :).
Hulagirl, well, babe…chow down, then do something! Hopefully, not throw up ;).
Shalee, what you said kinda goes with my thinking above…I know me, though…not about to put myself on a pedestal. 1) I know my flaws, and 2) I’m scared of heights ;).
Heather, I love thinking of it that way. Thanks.
Sandy, 🙂
Robin- what an awesome story! The fact that your daughter gained so much from you is such a blessing!! WTG Mom! You’ve done a great job!!!