She must’ve been watching for me to exit the building, but I never saw her coming. Before my mind could even process the confrontation, armed with a baby in a stroller, she unraveled a tale I wasn’t sure was true. The facts were fast and furious as if speed would assure her success:
way)
…for now, staying at the Microtel, but tomorrow they’d call
the shelter
…her husband doesn’t like her to ask for help, but he was
inside with her boys using the restroom, so she was taking advantage of his
absence
… they were a “little short”, they only had $3, could I help
them in any way?
… they had walked the distance in search of a McDonalds, but
since they couldn’t find one, they were back-tracking to Krystal (on the way
back to the motel)
Then the King will say to those on his right,
‘Come, you who are
blessed by my Father;
take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared
for
you since the creation of the world.
I stopped and turned toward her, processing words while
studying her face. She was younger than
me, her creamy cocoa skin belying age, hair hidden under colorful wrap, neatly
but plainly dressed. I asked her to
repeat what she said so my brain could catch up to the moment.
As she patiently and hopefully recited her request a second
time, my inner thoughts were debating the obvious—was this a scam? Did she just want money to buy alcohol or
drugs? Was there really a husband and
children inside? Did they set me
up? How long had I been watched?
bookstore. An easy target?
how could I incarnate Christ in this moment?
I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,
I was a stranger and you invited me in
I asked her name–“Tammy”–and then told her I didn’t have
cash (true) but I’d figure out something. Promising I’d return, I headed to my van and prayer-thought my way in
the direction of Krystal. I planned on
bringing a bag of food to her, but decided cold, Krystal burgers and fries
would be disgusting. Instead, I opted
for a gift card.
free to help the way I’d like to because of the fear–no, make that possibility–of “what if”. I didn’t want to just hand over a gift card for marginal burgers and fries–I wanted to invite them into my home! My choice would not be for an entire family to WALK to Krystal (less than a mile from where I met Tammy), I wanted to pick them up and take them there; then, to where ever they were staying. In a perfect world? They would’ve been staying with US!
Please click for the conclusion
Hmmm, I don’t yet know how this will turn out, but I do understand how you felt about it. I am not often approached but my first instinct (and sadly to say, response) is usually to say No very firmly and walk on.
But is this the right thing to do? It is certainly not the Christian thing to do, but when feeling frightened and uncertain what I can do?
Perhaps we should all hold some gift cards in our purses and just offer those up without offering money then that way we would be a little more certain that the money spend would go on food rather than anything else.
I look forward to seeing how this turns out.
You have me intrigued because although I would willingly help anyone in need. I have learned that often this type of thing is a scam~ my neighbour got caught last year. I won’t go into details but it’s very difficult to know who has a genuine need!
I have a friend who works in downtown Baltimore. He carries McDonald’s gift cards in his pocket so if someone approaches him claiming to be hungry, he can give them one. I think that’s a great idea.
Robin, I’m curious as to how this turns out.
I’m much like you in the sense that I really want to help folks, but wary of scams in this day and age. However, a preacher said something to me once that has stayed with me – “love ’em all and let God sort ’em out”.
So I do whatever I can (within my means and obviously trying to use the discernment that God has given us) and if they’re scamming me, that’s between them and God.
I remember years ago, we would pick hitchhikers up on the side of the road and take them to our house and feed them meals before they got back out there to hitch rides to their destinations. One man even ended up staying and working with us on our farm for two weeks because he was so grateful. I even remember his name, “Fred”.
Sorry for the novella. 🙂
It’s so fun to come and catch up. My husband and I are softies for anyone who asks for help. Some stories are funny, some are sad but all are filled with lessons.
Hugs,
Holly
You left us hanging what happened??? I totally understand what you are saying. I always feel bad for the homeless but some of them made bad choices that put them in that situation it is so hard to decipher.
I feel the ache in your words as you write this. You are indeed a generous soul, Robin. I like the idea of keeping gift cards in the purse (or wallet in my case…I don’t carry a purse, tyvm). I think I’ll buy a few grocery store gift cards. Just in case.
Looking forward to hearing the rest of the story.
I’d feel the same way.
I’m curious to find out just what you did!
Robin, I’ve been faced with this before, myself.
In one situation I went and bought groceries and delivered them to the lady.
And there are a few other similar situations…
But not that long ago I was reading a debate about this topic.
On one hand, people were crying – it’s usually a scam – don’t fall for it.
But those very scriptures you posted are what was tugging at me. And I didn’t and don’t ever want to miss an opportunity to help someone.
I came to the conclusion that even if I was being played *to any degree*, that whenever situations presented themselves to me – it is my duty to act in love.
Some people say I’m stupid because of it. Some say I’m throwing caution to the wind.
And I say I’m trusting Jesus will have His Hand over the situation. In some way or another, HE will bless everyone involved.
And we all know blessings can sometimes be painful at the beginning, if you understand what I’m saying.
So, I no longer question. I just act, in a prayerful way, when situations like this come up.
p.s. I’ve never had someone stay with me. And I realise I’m now opening myself up (in a spiritual sense) to this. Kinda freaks me a tiny little bit, but I suppose it will be another test and He’ll get me through it if I remember to rely soley on Him.
99 times out of 100, this sort of thing is a scam. Most likely this one is, too. Only half the family there, no way to be sure, if you offered anything except cash, most likely there’d be excuses.
Wish I was wrong.
We used to live in Chicago and would be approached all the time. I was never sure how to handle it. Sometimes I gave something, other times I said no. I love the idea of having McDonalds gift cards to hand out, that seems like a good solution for many of those situations.
I am looking forward to hearing the rest of the story!
And now you have me wanting to hear ‘the rest of the story’!
** Y’ALL!! Your comments are so thoughtful, I want to respond to them w/intention, but we’re on the run, headed out right now…please check back and I promise to not only respond, but have the conclusion up by Tuesday!
🙂
THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING!
Tuesday. Hmmmp!
I think the older I get, the more sensitive I am to these situations. I’m more likely to give now, than I would have years ago. I’m sure I’ve been taken, with good intention. God knows my heart. And the other person’s, as well.
This is so funny that I came upon this. I am taking a break from writing my book proposal to carry to She Speaks. The book is called sheep to the right (taken from the same passage of scripture you were quoting) and is about just this kind of thing. Thanks for sharing! I’ll be back on Tuesday!
interesting situation…i like the mcd’s gift card idea. i have never been approached, but i would probably think it was a scam…but i would wonder and worry that it wasn’t…..
I completely understand. And that’s all the words I have for this.
What if…
At a “rest stop” on the way to Karmyn’s there was an elderly man and a younger woman with a sign (by the toilets of course)
NEED Gas – no funds please.
I was like you — I was drawn and repulsed at the same time. Were they real or were they scam?
I may have to post about it, too.
Can’t wait to read the conclusion. It is so unfortunate we live in a world where it’s prudent to question intentions….
YOU MUST finish the story!! I’ve waited long enough! :o)