Jesus Just Tested Me.....and I Failed

[StMichael]

I live and work in New York City.

Hands are out everywhere and that is just the local government & police.

Anyway, there are those who sit on the sidewalk, different cardboard sign everyday, saying stuff like "Hatting Life" (not a misspelling, that's an actual sign), yet are clean, smoking cigarettes (NYC price for butts - $7.50 - $9.00 a PACK). Bottom line, won't give'em a dime because it is going to drugs.

You can help those who really need it. If they are asking for money for food, buy'em a slice of pizza and a soda, etc. But in the big city one has to be careful that you are not helping along a drug habit.

You know who really needs it and who doesn't. For those you are unsure of give an extra donation in the poor box that Sunday.

[Carrie]

I agree with you completely St Michael.

I live in NYC too and there are so many hands out asking for money. It drives me crazy to see someone begging for money and wearing the newest designer sneakers. This happens on the subway alot.

Though, there are some that seem ok. There is a group who rides the subways collecting extra food people have in their purses or briefcases for the homeless they come across. I don't know the group's name, but I see them every morning. I've gotten into the habit of carrying an extra bagel and fruit with me to give to them. But I won't give cash because drugs are just too accessible here.

Like St Michael said, you can always give extra in the poor box.

[Norseman82]

I live in Chicago and working downtown I see everything. The gas thing seems to be something new and no doubt a lot of it is a scam. One day at a gas station someone asked for some money for gas. I gave him some change, then he went across the street to the liquor store. So pardon me if I don't just hand out money to everyone.

Another scam was when someone was in the parking lot asking for money for bus fare because he just got out of the hospital and needed to get home. I asked which hospital he got discharged from and where he had to go - turns out he went two miles in the opposite direction of where he had to go to ask for money! Sorry, sir, I don't fall for that either.

A few weeks back I was walking to the local 7-11 and two teenage girls said they needed money for the bus and were very pestering, stating "they would do anything for me" (like I can't smell solicitation and a possible sting). I realy wanted to ask them why they didn't have the brains enough to make sure they had enough money with them in the first place.

I have bought food for them. And there are food coupons that are good at some downtown fast food places. And I would sometimes ask them to breathe on me so I could determine if there was alcohol on their breath.

And I have just had them pump a gallon of gas on my card just to get them going for a bit.

But if they refuse direct help, it is a sign of a scam and you should feel no remorse.

And Iacobus, if someone harasses you, keep walking. There are also laws against agressive panhandling in some cities.

And Soldier,

[quote]I decided on my way out I'd slip her five bucks. But she was gone, no where in sight. I had already failed my test![/quote]

You did NOT fail! Remember what Christ said about the two sons who the father asked to go out to work in the fields, there was one who initially refused but then changed his mind, and he is the one who is regarded as doing his father's will? THIS IS YOU! (Besides, maybe he fact that the person was not there when you got out is a sign that it may have been a scam after all and the person was trying to manipulate your religious feelings). So don't beat yourself up over this, OK?

[Crusader_4]

In the Cathedral in our diocease at the parish hall there htye have a sign that actually requests ppl instead of giving money to ppl they see on the street to support charities or give them food, clothing, etc.

[P3chrmd]

also, she could have been lying to you! I HAVE BEEN TOO nice before...and given them money!

If they ask for gas, I say, Ok...well you can follow me to the gas station and pay for it! I NEVER GIVE THEM THE MONEY!!!!!! One time I said this to a guy...to follow me to the gas station...and he got in his care and went the other way! SEE...he just wanted the money!!!!!


Jesus wants you to be giving.....but NOT stupid! Be smart about these things! Perhaps you did the right thing! I know that sounds terrible :-(