I spent yesterday in Indianapolis while Pam attended one of her CPA continuing education classes. She gets to sleep while I drive down, and then I kick around at music stores, computer stores, and a wonderful used bookstore in the Castleton area. Before leaving Indy, we eat at Skyline Chili.
As we left Skyline, a fellow probably 55-60 years old approached the car timidly and motioned for me to roll down the window. He was dressed in older clothes and a stained jacket, and wore a cap, but didn't look unkempt in any way. A respectable appearance.
He quickly told me his story about moving recently from St. Louis, having an accident and breaking his ankle, and several other things going badly. He was also diabetic, and needed a little over $19 to get insulin at Wal-Mart. He said he only had $3 on him. He assured me he didn't smoke or drink. Could I help him?
As he told me this story, he kept looking down, trying not to make eye contact. He knew I didn't believe him. The thing is, if I found myself in his position, a proud fellow who had no other options, I would have acted and spoken in exactly the same way he did. It had the ring of truth. But it could just as easily have been a well-practiced act.
When he finished, I looked at Pam and said, "How about it?" Then I pulled a $20 bill from my wallet and gave it to him. He thanked me profusely, shook my hand with a strong grip, and said, "God bless you." And then we drove away.
I don't know if I got taken or not. Probably did. But I don't care. People will tell me I should have taken him to Wal-Mart and purchased the insulin for him, just to make sure how the money is used (and to call any bluff that needs to be called). I'm aware of these principles. Time didn't allow that.
A Christian should err on the side generosity, not on the side of suspicion, cynicism, and stinginess. I've erred like this before, and will again. I feel a lot better about that than telling guys like this, "Sorry, buddy. Look somewhere else." And even when I do get conned, I think Jesus smiles with satisfaction.
Career-wise, I've been hanging around and writing about and cheering on churches and pastors for the past 25 years as my denomination's Communications Director.
Uncle Steve, this is my favorite thing you've ever said on this blog. I am totally tracking. It doesn't always matter if someone who needs money is feeding us a line... It is our responsibility to God, ourselves and humanity to live a life of generosity. I agree- it is SO much better to risk being victimized out of a few bucks than to eagerly default to being selfish or judgmental. Jesus has to smile about that. It seems so, I dunno, beautiful maybe. Selfless. Genuine. Like Him. Thanks for sharing your story. I respect that a lot.
Yes, you were "taken" except you didn't really believe him, so that's not the right word. Enabling? Many panhandlers make hundreds a day. You could have offered to go to Wal-Mart with him, and that would have put an end to it. Then your $20 could have been given to an agency or local shelter that really knew how to get help for him. Eventually, he will die on the streets, probably not from diabetes, but from neglect, alcoholism or violence, helped along by tender hearted Christians.