Whether by wallet or through window

Copper and I disagree on this one. Now, for long-time tuners-in of this blog, or for all those who find themselves landing on my blog after Googling "Dr. Pepper" (happens a delightfully often, actually) for that matter, please understand that Copper and I adore one another and harmonize on 99% of our lives. It is the remaining, rebellious 1% that adds a dose of feisty to our conversations and gives me ample food for thought and jumping off points for blog entries.

Like this one.

You see, Copper is rational and reasonable above all else, doggone him. *grin* He leads with his head, with his heart playing a supporting, though vital, role in his decision making process. Now as for me, I am one whose whole heart has veto power over skepticism and reason at times, sometimes neglecting even to consult with my brain until it has already instinctually reacted.

So on this, we disagree: giving to the poor.

Not that we should and do. But how to respond to the immediate, messy, stark needs of these confronting us in sometimes uncomfortable ways.

I am speaking specifically of those needful strangers on corners holding cardboard signs, asking for help as cars whiz past. Those signs, those faces, and those people have always been nearly impossible to deny extending my hand to. I hurt for them and with them, and that kind of keening requires response. Action.

I realize all the reasons why NOT to hand money and food from my car to a person on a corner.

I realize there are shelters available for the homeless, where hot meals are served and warm beds await. I realize that a great majority of our homeless are addicts and will likely use any monetary handouts offered in a manner which supports, first, the addiction. I realize that there are people who are self-described "career homeless" and deliberately seek to survive on the generosity of others. I realize there is a personal safety concern involved. I realize all of this as I am no blind to all these elements of reality I see happening around me.

But beyond that, I see pain, helplessness, and a fellow human being standing on a street corner begging me to see him. Asking me to treat him as I would, myself. Wanting me to care about him, even for the briefest of moments. Just long enough to extend a few dollars I can spare and would not miss. So that he can eat or drink or sleep safely as I do every night. So that he can make it until tomorrow. So that he has hope.

I can't pass that by. I rarely do. It hurts me deep inside and I find myself wondering about the life meanderings which led that particular person to this particular corner. I hope it never ceases to pierce into my heart, to carve into my thoughts. I pray I never become numb to those in our world who need our help. Even when they stand on street corners and we secretly wonder about their motives, situation, and integrity even as we cannot deny their need. Few would stand on a chilly street corner holding a handwritten sign on cardboard at oncoming traffic for the sheer thrillof the experience. I have chosen to not allow the few who would take advantage of the kindness of strangers to overcome my hearts' cry to do what Jesus would do.

Copper hears that same cry. And he hears it with a tender heart and a willing spirit, and in answer to the Lord's call to love and care for the poor. But his sense of reality prohibits handouts from car windows or along sidewalks. He is a police veteran and his view of the world juxtaposes the teachings of Jesus with the sad, stark reality of the dregs of society: predators, scammers, and lost souls. He believes in supporting those who create more lasting and stringent systems, programs, and solutions to poverty through charities and shelters. His generosity inspires me, even as the methodology we favor to answer the cries of others differs.

As for me, I lower my window and take the chance.

May God bless those without homes, money, safety, and hope as we enter the winter season of holidays and celebration. In whatever manner, whether through a window, from a pocket as we stop along a sidewalk, as a financial donation to charity, or as a gift of time and care, may we all be led by Jesus' example to rise up to care for our fellow human beings in their season of need.

Imagine all we could accomplish if we each cared for others as we would wish to be cared for ourselves. Because, but for the grace of the Lord, it could be me on that street corner. And I would be praying for you to see me. And care about me enough to do something.

Soli Deo Gloria