One of the posts I’m working on for future is around generosity--of spirit, mind, time, money. You’ve added some additional insight to this topic for me. Thanks for sharing this good example of how you are able to be generous out in the world.
Being willing to engage with another human, and to offer them a bit of generosity, is exactly the right way to live. Thank you for choosing kindness and humanitarianism.
To me, kindness and serving our fellow humans is also a Christlike thing to do - Jesus could not have been more clear about the importance of taking care of the poor and outcasts. He pointed out in many ways - "When you've done it unto the least of these, you've done it unto me." I 've heard that particular passage preached at least a dozen times over the years, . Whether we flawed humans choose to do the right, altruistic thing or not is another issue - especially now that the words of Jesus frequently take a back seat to the newly anointed king of greed - at least in the more conservative churches.
In todays new blog post, I address the ongoing corruption of religions driven predominantly by selfish motives within their hierarchies
Thanks to you and your wife for sharing your "protocol" to recognize the dignity of every person. I hope Miguel's dog is okay and they are together soon.
Thanks, Mark ... perhaps true, but the story also directly touched all of us who were affected by the Vietnam war. I did not serve but I was married to a Marine who returned a different person and who died just recently after a life time of dealing with health issues which began in Vietnam. Our marriage was also a victim of the war (and being too young to know how to deal with the fallout.) No one goes to war and comes back the same person ... and that reverberates outward. I really appreciated your kindness and the fact that you have a protocol.
None of us know the weight that other people carry. I'm so sorry for your loss and all the ways your life was more challenging than it had to be. Your comment - about no one goes off to war and comes back the same is so true and yet also discouraging. From generation to generation, we keep adding to the list of struggling men and women.
Thank you Priscilla - When I commented to Miguel something to the effect - "you're well preserved", his response was "I can still run through the hills with the best of 'em." I personally doubt it but in life, attitude is half the battle.
Hi Mark et al ..... Spent nearly 13 years hitching and cycling Europe. Made earrings, played guitar, from which I could eat, never needed to ask for money, and could sometimes spare a share. Lotsa folk offered me a bed, no strings. I was luckier than some. There is a community out there on and spiritually near the road. Most of 'em are poor or drugged, some are criminals, they all had a heart. SOooo many times they told me "Don't ever stop, you do it for those who are not free !!)... But I did stop, raised kids and businesses. Now retired and thinking about spending half of my remaining time back on the road again. Playing music with my friends, Just can't wait.......
What a world of experience you've had! To have some skills and a craft to make travel money would have opened a lot of doors - and more roads. I think I understand what you mean about a sense of community - it's complicated but life is way more nuanced than social norms.
. In my experience, there are thousands of reasons why people end up on the road - as you'd probably agree, not all so good.
Thanks for your comments Maurice - I'm glad you've got exciting plans, keep us posted.
So what do you do when it's the same guy daily and he doesn't want a protein bar he wants a drink? What if it's several daily? Many daily? I confess to compassion fatigue. My protocol is to lend through kiva.
Complicated question you ask there Steve. If I'm driving along and come to a stop light and there's a guy with a sign and a cup, I rarely put more than five bucks in it for the exact reason you mention. I try not to get in the judgement game though, since every situation is complicated.
If on the other hand I spend a half hour listening to someone's story, I can take a read off my BS meter. If it's in the yellow or green zone I wouldn't sweat giving a twenty or two. The chances of it helping him is more than fifty percent which is pretty good odds. (When that philosophy of giving starts cutting into our tithe to non-profits like Heifer or FINCA, we'll have to reassess).
Regarding the example you sited, my best self would offer him a cup of coffee and conversation, with two goals. The first being to see if there was any way I could connect him with any local services that MIGHT help him. The second, to convey that at least one guy cared enough to stop and hear his story.
Thank you for bringing up a very relevant issue. I'm sure many of my like-minded readers struggle with the same dilemma.
One of the posts I’m working on for future is around generosity--of spirit, mind, time, money. You’ve added some additional insight to this topic for me. Thanks for sharing this good example of how you are able to be generous out in the world.
Thanks Kim - I'm glad to be able to help you
I have a stack of "road" stories in scribble form Kim. Will be adding them to my posts in a few months time. Peace, Maurice
Well, I guess I've got to consider changing my protocol. Thank you, Mark.
You're very welcome Steve
Being willing to engage with another human, and to offer them a bit of generosity, is exactly the right way to live. Thank you for choosing kindness and humanitarianism.
Thanks Pen for your encouragement and support.
To me, kindness and serving our fellow humans is also a Christlike thing to do - Jesus could not have been more clear about the importance of taking care of the poor and outcasts. He pointed out in many ways - "When you've done it unto the least of these, you've done it unto me." I 've heard that particular passage preached at least a dozen times over the years, . Whether we flawed humans choose to do the right, altruistic thing or not is another issue - especially now that the words of Jesus frequently take a back seat to the newly anointed king of greed - at least in the more conservative churches.
In todays new blog post, I address the ongoing corruption of religions driven predominantly by selfish motives within their hierarchies
Thanks to you and your wife for sharing your "protocol" to recognize the dignity of every person. I hope Miguel's dog is okay and they are together soon.
Thank you for reaching out, touching him, touching us. So many of us hold a piece of that story.
Thanks so much Joyce - You're very kind, but I already knew that.
Your comment reminds me of - "There but for the grace of God go I "
attributed to John Bradford
Thanks, Mark ... perhaps true, but the story also directly touched all of us who were affected by the Vietnam war. I did not serve but I was married to a Marine who returned a different person and who died just recently after a life time of dealing with health issues which began in Vietnam. Our marriage was also a victim of the war (and being too young to know how to deal with the fallout.) No one goes to war and comes back the same person ... and that reverberates outward. I really appreciated your kindness and the fact that you have a protocol.
None of us know the weight that other people carry. I'm so sorry for your loss and all the ways your life was more challenging than it had to be. Your comment - about no one goes off to war and comes back the same is so true and yet also discouraging. From generation to generation, we keep adding to the list of struggling men and women.
Thanks ... the cost of war can never be calculated.
I almost forgot - Thanks so much Joyce for restacking my post.
Thank you Tara, I will pass your kind words along.
Thank you Priscilla - When I commented to Miguel something to the effect - "you're well preserved", his response was "I can still run through the hills with the best of 'em." I personally doubt it but in life, attitude is half the battle.
This is so inspiring!
Very cool! Way to go, Mark!
Thanks Ron
Hi Mark et al ..... Spent nearly 13 years hitching and cycling Europe. Made earrings, played guitar, from which I could eat, never needed to ask for money, and could sometimes spare a share. Lotsa folk offered me a bed, no strings. I was luckier than some. There is a community out there on and spiritually near the road. Most of 'em are poor or drugged, some are criminals, they all had a heart. SOooo many times they told me "Don't ever stop, you do it for those who are not free !!)... But I did stop, raised kids and businesses. Now retired and thinking about spending half of my remaining time back on the road again. Playing music with my friends, Just can't wait.......
What a world of experience you've had! To have some skills and a craft to make travel money would have opened a lot of doors - and more roads. I think I understand what you mean about a sense of community - it's complicated but life is way more nuanced than social norms.
. In my experience, there are thousands of reasons why people end up on the road - as you'd probably agree, not all so good.
Thanks for your comments Maurice - I'm glad you've got exciting plans, keep us posted.
So what do you do when it's the same guy daily and he doesn't want a protein bar he wants a drink? What if it's several daily? Many daily? I confess to compassion fatigue. My protocol is to lend through kiva.
Complicated question you ask there Steve. If I'm driving along and come to a stop light and there's a guy with a sign and a cup, I rarely put more than five bucks in it for the exact reason you mention. I try not to get in the judgement game though, since every situation is complicated.
If on the other hand I spend a half hour listening to someone's story, I can take a read off my BS meter. If it's in the yellow or green zone I wouldn't sweat giving a twenty or two. The chances of it helping him is more than fifty percent which is pretty good odds. (When that philosophy of giving starts cutting into our tithe to non-profits like Heifer or FINCA, we'll have to reassess).
Regarding the example you sited, my best self would offer him a cup of coffee and conversation, with two goals. The first being to see if there was any way I could connect him with any local services that MIGHT help him. The second, to convey that at least one guy cared enough to stop and hear his story.
Thank you for bringing up a very relevant issue. I'm sure many of my like-minded readers struggle with the same dilemma.