talking with the unlovely

[Jean Davis]

I almost hate to put the title that way, 'cause who am I? Anyhow, I was sitting in the shade, in Yakima, very hot. At a table outside of a Safeway store and was approached by a woman that was not all together there. She was wearing wristbands that could have come from the hospital and was a bit distracted in her conversation. We talked briefly. I wanted to be kind and encouraging, but I couldn't offer her any help with where anything was as far as directions go, I don't live in Yakima. She was also asking me for spare change. I felt compelled to offer her an ice cold water instead. She accepted, but seemed disappointed. My honey is asked often for money while doing his service routes, I get hit up quite a bit while I wait out in the van waiting for him. Sometimes we give money, sometimes we don't. Compassion seems more valueable. What do you do when approached? How do you show the love of God, but not be taken as a fool?

[Glorianna M. Nicholson]

I read that you took the time to show compassion, to speak to her and to give her "a cup of cold water" rather than to just drop a coin or two into her hand and dismiss her (as many would do -- an irritation) and send her on her way. Have you thought that perhaps you met her need- helped to keep her from dehydration - by the leading of the Holy Spirit.
I Corinthians chapter 4, Paul talks about the way of apostles. In verses 9 and following he says they have been put on display --- (v.10) "We are fools for Christ!" Yet the heart of the thought is in verse 7 -- "... For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive?..."
There may be as many different ways of handling a situation like this as there are people. I think following the leading of the Spirit, encircleing the meeting with prayer, and following the example of Paul ( & the apostles) out weighs what observers may think.

Thank you for sharing this.
Glorianna

[Jean Davis]

Glorianna,
Thank you for the encouragement. I guess there are as many ways to handle it as there are people.

[Carmen Gamble]

We are to be prudent and wise. Once my hubby gave money to a poorly dressed woman begging on the streets. A few hours later, he saw her in Safeway, normally dressed, her buggy heaping with groceries. He recognized her, she recognized him and blushed. Okay, so she bought groceries...but certainly more than we could afford that week! He never saw her again. Was she just strapped for money that week? I guess we'll never know. I think you did the right thing though.

[Pat Leksen]

Hi, Carmen, I haven't been in here for awhile, and wanted to welcome you to Writer's Edge. I'm an old friend of Maureen's when we all lived in Cranbrook.
I'm so glad that the Lord rewards us for the attitude of our hearts when we reach out to others and not the integrity of the other person's heart. Many times I have given to others out of obedience and then witnessed things that made me question, and then the Lord has had to remind me to check my heart. Everything seems to be a test, doesn't it?

[Pat Leksen]

Oh, Jean, how often that has happened to all of us. It takes the Holy Spirit to know when we are to be a good Samaritan and when the Lord says, "Not this time." We are going to be seeing more and more of this as this recession continues. I know you have such a soft heart, and it is hard to say 'No'. I was just thinking how great it would be if we all carried a "needs jar" in our vehicles, for such a time as this. Then we wouldn't have to wrestle with it so much. It's easy for me to say, sitting here in front of my computer in my warm house, feeling fed and clothed.