So, this post may be a little controversial, but I've thought about it a lot.
I never used to give money to people standing on street corners with signs.
NEVER.
I did always send up a quick prayer, but I never physically gave them anything.
If I did give them something, I gave them food, or a bottle of water, or something useful like that. I guess I just never knew for sure what that person would be using my money for, so I was hesitant to just give them cash.
That attitude changed for me when my purse was stolen in October.
Right out of the shopping cart that I was touching.
With my daughter watching the whole thing.
I was not happy, but that's another story.
The bottom line is, the man that stole my purse was taking something that was not offered to him.
He took something that was not his and he took it with force.
The people standing on the corner with the signs are just asking for help. Who am I to judge what they will use my money for?
At least they aren't taking it without asking.
They are waiting for things to be given to them. They aren't hurting anyone.
I feel that if God stirs your heart to give something, then do.
So, for the first time in my life, on Christmas Eve, I gave money to a woman on a corner with a sign.
And you know what?
I felt great.
I figure if I have learned nothing else from my purse snatching experience, maybe God was trying to change my attitude about people asking for help the right way.
Well God, it worked.
I don't know what that woman will do with what I gave her, but I can drive away knowing I helped someone and I did it from my heart.
So from now on, when I see someone on a corner with a sign, I will do whatever I can to help them. At least they are asking for it and not taking what isn't theirs.
What is your take on the situation?
