subject: Give Us This Day [print this page] Give Us This Day Give Us This Day
On hot autumn afternoons in Texas, you can find them under bridges as they seek shelter from the sun. On freezing cold mornings in Washington state, you can find them huddled together, surrounded by ragged clothing, news papers, boxes, or anything that provides shelter from the freezing temperatures. Often regarded with disapproval and unfavorable opinion, they remain on post as strangers in a familiar land; gently waving as cars pass; seeking compassion in the form of spare change. The small cardboard signs that once read "Will work for food", now read "Please help", followed by "God Bless you".
"TO THE LEAST OF THESE"
I will be the first to admit that I generally do not give to those holding signs, especially to those who shove the sign toward my face as if to say can't you read?' Don't you see me standing here? It disturbs me for several reasons:
Most of the time the panderer looks able to work. So I see this attempt as some sort of scam. Then, seeing them with their beer cans sitting in the shade afterwards doesn't encourage me to give. In fact, what this represents to me is the panderers think that we're stupid enough to supply the money so they don't have to work, or care!
My feelings are if they are able to hold a sign, they should be able to hold a broom or paint brush, and should do something representing some semblance of productivity, beside beg.
Some go so far as to use props, i.e., a dog, or veteran slogans, as if to play on sympathy.
I would be more inclined to give to someone who offers a service of some kind. For example, street musicians perform for tips, and the general public often gives in appreciation. But most people work hard for their money. They get up early and make all the sacrifices necessary to provide and sustain a living for themselves and their families. So it becomes somewhat offensive to expect them to bring their hard-earned money to someone who isn't willing to lift a finger for their own good. And why should they lift a finger when they have others to support their habits? In this regard, I feel like we disable more than enable them because we contribute to their cycle of dependence.
I've had the opportunity to work with several panderers in a rehab setting. Rehabilitation provided a way off of the streets, a home with 3 squares, a bed, and a way to begin a new lifeonly to find them back on the corners afterwards. My point is pandering is a way of life for many; and in America, some literally get rich doing it. This is not to say that all panderers are scammers, because they are not. Over the years many families have lived one paycheck away from poverty, and many have even lost that source of income, and now rely and depend on the kind hearts of a down economy.
MY BROTHERS KEEPER
In America, we rely on certain principles and core values to guide our behaviors. Early on in life we learn the importance of unity in a community. We're taught that sharing is the right thing to dothat we should be ready to help another in time of need. We're taught that we should express confident belief in the true value of another; a belief not based on logical proof or material evidence. We're taught that we should be compassionate and forgiving, and have a disposition of forgiveness and kindness, ready to alleviate distress. We not only pledge our allegiance to the flag, we pledge our allegiance to the republic for which it stands. A republic represented by many different faiths; all of which maintain core beliefs which include some variation of what is known as The Golden Rule': Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This golden rule represents the outward expression of an inward faith.
Not long ago I witnessed a touching scene in Texas as I was waiting for a traffic light. To my right, there in the hot sun, were 3 panderers. I watched as one walked over to another, which was in a sitting position. After exchanging a few words, the man standing removed his cap, placed one hand on the other's shoulder, and began to pray. I watched these men clasp hand-over-hand in agreement for God to meet their needs. That visual changed my heart and gave me a new perspective. After all, who am I to judge so harshly? I mean, everyone falls on hard and desperate times somewhere along their journey; right?
What I'm left with then, is a reality check of my own condition; especially the condition of my heart. I know and believe that I am my brother's keeper and he is mine. If I have the world's goods and do not help another in need, how does God's love dwell in me? In that regard, as "one nation under God", we owe it to ourselves and others to be a compassionate people. What a powerful life lesson for me to learn! I'm thankful for that red light in Texas, for it provided me time to reflect on a portion of a prayer that has been a part of my life since childhood: "Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive"...
