So far I’ve talked about the effect our involvement at the Isaiah House for women without homes has had on the volunteers, but neglected to point out what effect it is having on me.
One such thing I noticed just yesterday. I had just enjoyed breakfast in town with a friend and was on my way back to my car when I spotted a homeless woman planted on the sidewalk, and I knew I had to do something.
How could I pass her by? Could I possibly pass by any of the women of the Isaiah House were I to meet up with one of them on the street? Of course not, because I know them. It would be like passing a friend and not saying “Hi.” Suddenly I realized I knew this woman. She was no longer distant and I was no longer disconnected.
At my car, I checked my wallet and found only a twenty. That was more than I was willing to give, so I went back to our breakfast spot and bought a cookie to make change. Walking back to my car again, I passed by and handed her a few bucks.
As I drove away, I thought, “Hey, dumb dumb, why not give her the cookie too? Because the cookie was for me. Not exactly flying colors on my first test.
Had she been one of the women from Isaiah House would I have done anything differently? Well, yes. First off, I would have sat myself down next to her and talked with her for a while. I would have gotten her name, found out how she was doing, and attempted to see if there was something I could do for her. And I would have given her the cookie, or better yet, shared it with her. Sharing it would have put us more on an equal level. And if I gave her any money, I would have done it discreetly, instead of just handing it to her and walking away. And heck, I might as well have just given her the rest of the twenty.
It’s amazing how things change once you get to know someone.
John Fischer The Catch 
John I am just the same. If I see something “good” to do and fail to do it I beat myself up for the rest of the day for not doing it.
If I do what I should do in the same situation then I kick myself for not doing it better.
It is comforting to know that there are others out there with the same struggles.
Thanks for the honesty.
I would be willing to bet that the cookie tasted like sawdust as well.
How do I send a comment direct to John?
Jim Hartman
[email protected]
A direct reply to any Catch email comes privately to me. Help yourself.
Your honesty causes me pause, humbles me, and encourages me all at the same time. Thank you.
Of course it’s a learning process; isn’t everything? Sometimes we learn something interesting.
About 20 years ago, I learned something. There was a guy who approached me in a K-Mart parking lot. He was walking from a gas station in the corner of the lot with a gas can, said he was stranded and asked for some change. So I gave him a buck or so.
My next stop was the electronics store across the street. When I walked out of that store, the same guy was walking into the liquor store next door. I didn’t take his empty gas can which he left outside, although I wanted to. Since then I have given food to homeless people, but never money; although I donate to shelters when I can. We used to carry gift certificates for fast food places and give those away instead of money.
One time we were walking out of a pizza place with our leftover pizza, saw a homeless guy, gave him our extra pizza and went back in and bought him a soft drink. I like to think that I did a better job that time.
I guess in every case, it would be better to get to know someone, in order to really help them out.
John,
As fulltime RVers, we often see folks on the road and cities needing help. As we travel, it becomes very obvious that this is a growing need in our country. I, like you, have struggled with my responses to the needs of people sitting at the truckstops or on the city streets. I have prayed and talked with God about this on a regular basis. I have learned to let God direct my response to the person and the opportunity that has been presented to me. Sometimes, I buy gas. Other times, I buy food. And there are many times I give money. I have discovered that it is not my responsibility to dictate how my efforts will be used, but to let God work in that person’s life. I do offer a blessing and God’s love as I respond to the person and their need. John, we never know how much our smallest action can mean to another, but God knows and will use it. So I encourage all to let God do the directing with each opportunity that comes our way. And, you are right, John…it nevers seems like it is enough. I always wish I could have done more.
Wow, It’s humbling to know I’m not alone when it comes to this. It’s almost the same when the plate is passed in church, do we tip God, or do we give Him all of what we have. The question I find myself asking is, “How do I cross that bridge of self sufficiency to meeting the needs of others with even having to think about it.” I pray that the Spirit of God will automatically win out over my own selfishness.
Well, John, I just sent you $10, so at least one of us won’t have to get a $20 broken next time. Please put it in the back of your wallet and give it to the next homeless woman for the both of us. I probably would have done the same thing, if I hadn’t rationalized that – with only a $20, it would have to wait until next time. We’ve both lived half our lives (at least, I have), and still screwin’ up. But at least God still loves us anyway. Thanks for your effort.
And you ARE going to let us know how it goes tonight at Isaiah House.
John,
Just a different twist to your experience, not a good one tho. I befriended a woman through a local program in our city. She wasn’t homeless, she was a recovering addict. I tried to be a positive influence, ministering through love and caring. The relationship went on for a year or so and then something happened and I’m not sure what. I think she slipped back but since I have no experience with addictive issues, I didn’t see the signs. She started asking me for money and she always had a story and reason. I helped whenever I could but then contacted Ala non and was told “don’t ever give an addict cash”, so I stopped. But she kept asking. I could never do enough, put gas in her vehicle, helped with her children. One day she begged for money so her little boy could get the “last opening” spot for t-ball and she needed a blank money order. I got her the money order but made it out to the organization. A couple of days later I called that organization and they didn’t know anything about her or her child and no one had ever called her regarding a last opening spot. So I caught her in a red handed lie and I questioned her about it. I got yet another story but she knew that I knew. I didn’t even need to end the relationship, she’s never called me since and I don’t ever expect to hear from her again. So I guess, sadly, some people are in the position they are in because of their own doing and their own bad choices.
Even someone like this can be helped. The issue is: They have to want help. That’s where something like AA can pick up and truly help someone who admits they need it. It’s never too late even for this woman. And remember, what you did for her, you did for the Lord, regardless of what she did with it.
It’s amazing how things change once you get to know someone…
That was my favorite sentence…….
Before I was saved Jesus sent me many believers to love me and point me to Him…
When I got to a point where I read scriptures and realized who Jesus was I could look back
on the over-the-top unexpected acts of love I had experienced from believers and I realized I had been cared about by Jesus. Even when I didn’t care about Him or myself.
. I got to know Jesus through others that he placed in my life.
It is AMAZING how my life has changed once I got to know Jesus……
I used to work at a shelter called Transition House…amazing how organizations like these can really help people where it’s really needed.
Do you know a fella named Rod Byron? Just curious.
Rod was my best friend growing up. We had a “reunion” of sorts last fall when he came out here from Minnesotta for a USC game and took me with him.