It's Ok to Help

Yesterday I went with Cherie and some friends to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga. One of the exhibits featured all kinds of butterflies and moths. It was really cool to see the different varieties and if you could find one that wasn't fluttering around, they weren't afraid to climb right onto your finger.

On our way to the aquarium, we were walking on the sidewalk and passed an older lady that was sitting on a bench by a restaurant. She called out to us in a sort of sad, desperate voice asking for a couple dollars that she could use to get something to eat. I told her I didn't have any cash on me but a friend that was by me pulled out his wallet and gave her a couple bucks. I remember being jolted back to reality by that little run in. I wondered what her situation was. Should I go back and pray with her? I said I little prayer for her in my mind entrusting her with God and went on to have fun with the rest.

Later that day, I was driving back to Collegedale and just as I was getting on the on ramp, I saw a man that had his thumb up, standing on the side of the rode with his bag. For a split second, I looked at him and he gave me a shrug that said something like, "You're just like everyone else, you have plenty of time you're doing your best to ignore me." I did have plenty of time. That wasn't the issue. I didn't have much time to think as I sped onto the on ramp but the main reason I didn't stop was because I didn't think it was safe. I thought my things might get stolen or who knows what. As I kept driving I tried to figure out why I didn't stop to pick him up.

There was something about the faces of the people I saw yesterday that reminded me of Jesus. They obviously weren't in the best situations. They both needed help. I was perfectly able to help the hich hiker but I was worried about my own safety. Is that the attitude I should have - if it seems safe I'll help. I don't think so. Jesus is taking care of me and he has a mission for my life. If there is still more for me to do, He is perfectly able to keep me alive and well. In the mean time, I am free to help others no matter who they are. We are all God's children and we all need love.

Matthew 25:40 "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."