Skeptic

I have to admit that I am a huge skeptic and often distrusting. If someone is trying to sell me something over the phone, I rarely believe them. What they are offering always seems too good to be true. The same goes with beggars on the street. Often I end up judging their plight and really wondering how much is real and how much is an act. It's awful of me... I know. Unfortunately, it's the truth. I have heard that there are homeless folks who "earn" $50,000 a year begging for money and for some reason that doesn't sit well with me. Why not just get a job? Anyway, I know that the Bible tells me I shouldn't judge others. It tells me that I should be generous and giving, but I'm not sure what the right answer is when it comes to people begging on the side of the road. What is the wise thing to do? Frankly, I haven't had to deal with it that often so I haven't put much thought to it.

Yesterday, I was out and about with the boys in the car waiting at a stop light. Sure enough, a girl and her dog stood right by the cars waiting with a sign asking for money. Something told me that I should give her money. Maybe the Holy Spirit?? The boys were very curious about her and her cute little dog. I knew I didn't have much time before the light changed and I didn't know what to do. I just couldn't ignore her. While I was praying, I looked around the car for a granola bar or crackers in packaging to offer her, and came up empty. So, I did something I never do. I reached in my wallet and gave her some money. I'm not sure it was the right thing to do, but I can't stop thinking about this girl. Only God knows what she used the money for. Hopefully something helpful.

The one thing I do know is that it opened lots of dialogue with the boys. They have asked about her a couple times today and we have prayed for her. Ethan suggested that we buy some small Bible's so that we could have them handy the next time we are near a beggar on the street. He said what she really needs is Jesus. Out of the mouth of babes.

Isn't that true about all of us? We need Jesus! Especially me, the skeptic! God can use the most interesting things to teach me.