I like to think I’m sensitive to the needs of the homeless. I feed them when I can. I rarely give money, but I’ll always buy a meal; Even if it means I go without. I stopped at a 7/11 today for a packaged sandwich and bottle of water on my way to a meeting out in Simi Valley. I only had a few minutes of spare time, and the turkey on wheat is a pretty good quick meal. As I walked out after my purchase a homeless man asked me for spare change. I said no and offered him my sandwich instead. He hesitated for a moment before declining, and then added that what he wanted the money for was to buy a few cigarettes. Apparently, a store clerk he knows sells singles on the side. I asked what brand he smoked and then walked back into the store to buy him a pack. When I returned and handed him his cigarettes, he said, “Thanks, but what’s the deal?”
I told him I was just doing my good dead for the day. The look on his face told me he did not buy it. I insisted that I really had no agenda, and that I did not want anything from him.. What he said next offended me. ‘You religious types always want something.” I flipped out a little. I’m sure my, “dude – fuck off” came off a little harsh.
He stepped back. I stepped back. I said, “I’m an atheist.” His response was interesting. He said, “But you game me cigarettes.”
“I would have bought you beef jerky if that’s what you needed. I’m just trying to help. I have no agenda other than the fact that I help people.”
We talked for ten minutes. He smoked, I ate. He told me his story. I listened. When it was time for me to leave I asked if there was anything else I could do for him. He smiled and said no. He added that today had been a good day. I was happy. He was happy.
The funny thing is I learned to help people while I was a Christian. The man who taught me simple stated that it was our obligation as Christians to help people who needed aid. I’ve done it my whole life but I don’t think of it as a Christian act. The man who taught me explained that helping people was an act of love. Asking for nothing in return was an act of service. And most importantly, to use the opportunity as a means to minister was un-Christ like. Every other Christian pastor I came in contact with while a Christian stressed offering help as a means to minister. My helpful pastor (who no longer plays that game) stressed help as an act of love and compassion. That stuck with me.
I can buy a homeless man meal or a pack of cigarettes. I can ask for nothing in return. I can spend ten minutes (or an hour) simply listening. I do it because I can. I do it because I should. I do it because a nice man taught me about authentic love. I do it because it makes me feel good. What other reasons do I need?
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blondie_havoc · 743 weeks ago
There are few homeless people in Naperville. But when we did get homeless people, I always did my best to help. I'm a nightwalker. I can't help but enjoy a late night stroll to the Redbox for a movie, or a nice evening jog to take in the fresh air. An ex-girlfriend and I used to walk to the park, and just sit on the swings and talk for hours.
One night, after she and I had parted ways, I noticed a homeless man. He had a raggedy beard and seemed to be fairly malnourished. I immediately walked into Walgreen's and purchased him a bottle of water and several food items. When I dropped him off, I spoke to him a bit, and he seemed to be in a fairly incompetent mental state. I'm a licensed school counselor with a background in Counseling Psychology, but I didn't need any fancy degree to tell that this guy just plain needed help.
He stuck with me, and for the next few weeks, I always brought him my leftovers from lunch and dinner (I love to cook) unless I was stuck in class or work. I probably fed him 6 or 7 times a week for a month. I got to know him, find out his story, and even became somewhat protective of him when others would drive past and hurl insults (which was unfortunately somewhat of a norm in the upscale community). This man helped to teach me empathy. I never gave much thought to the homeless before, but I became sympathetic to his position.
I come from a blue collar family. My dad works in shipping and receiving in a hospital for barely enough to get by. My mom is a licensed practice nurse. I'm the first one in my family to get a college degree. I didn't help this man because I'm some kind of limousine liberal or something. I didn't help him because I'm an exemplary human being. I helped him because he needed it.
Few things in life make me angrier than agendas. I, like you, have no agenda. I'm not pushing beliefs. I'm not doing a favor only to get something in return. I don't believe in karma whatsoever. People need to just selflessly help people more often and the world will be a better place.
Mojoey 107p · 743 weeks ago
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I totally agree with you. Just help, ask for nothing in return.
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And, I would love to see your photos.
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Joe
English Atheist · 743 weeks ago
Whilst *really* drunk at the weekend, I ended up debating God's existence too. A homeless person came into the pub, and so I bought them some chips (for the American's reading, this means fries, but better).
The barmaid then asked which church I went to, as obviously, only a Christian would do such an act of kindness. I informed her I was an atheist, and did my best to be coherent, which was difficult, as I was very drunk. Though my drinking buddy said I did a good job - though he was also intoxicated.
Might go back to that pub for a more sober chat, as she did seem genuinely interested in my point of view (at least to a drunken a me).
No one was hurt in the exchange!