Sometimes I'm a heartless Christian. I had to stop by the local WalGreens a bit ago. That would be the WalGreens on the fine road of Chamberlayne Avenue. The infamous stretch of gun-shots, prostitution and drugs. Not to mention a plethora or other comical sorts in needy dire straights.
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Park the car, get out and I'm immediately questioned "Sir, can you help me? I'm struggling, no place to live and been abused. I just needs some money for food."
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I'm not familiar with this one. But she certainly had a more needy tone about her begging. But my "out in public" not-so-nice guy and distrusting inner cynic took control and I told her that "I'm just taking care of myself today." I know, not the most sensitive thing to say.
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I'm reminded of my Spanish teacher in High School. Her name was Senorita Bianchi. She warned us about donating to the beggars on our trip to Spain. "Just keep walking and give them nothing. The beggars have more money than they let on." I'm also reminded of a study done once on the "art" of street begging. The students begged for a month and found that at the end of each day they had enough money to for their meals, a nice hotel room, clothes with money some left over.
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When I was in Georgia, I worked with a woman named Dee. She and I would often take long drives to nowhere and get lost. She always found a stray to give money to, and never batted an eye. I asked her why she did that and she said that you just never know when it's 'Jesus on Earth here to test you.' An interesting notion but, may he forgive me, I just can't think like that.
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So, inside WalGreens I told the security officer that a woman was outside begging for assistance. When I left she was gone. I went to the BK (decided not to sue them) and there she was with her BK bag of burgers talking to 2 ladies and another man having a good ole time. Not so alone and feeling abused after all.
1 comment:
i know how you feel.. i wanna help those folks, but i know they make more than me on most days.... ughhh
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