About charity

Having Empathy

I have noticed something disturbing happening in this town.

I was driving down Santiago Dr., and saw a man laying on the ground near a shopping cart. He didn’t look right. One leg was off the sidewalk, and he looked sprawled out. I saw three cars drive past him. Didn’t even slow down. I turned around to go check on him. More cars drove by. NOBODY cared to stop. One lady in a white minivan stopped on the corner, looked back to see if he was okay. I don’t know why, maybe she saw me, because she drove away as I pulled over. I went to the man and asked if he was okay. He looked up at me, and said “yes I’m okay, just need to catch my breath “. I asked if he needed an ambulance. He said, "No thanks". He said a spider bit him, but he’s okay. He had his left foot covered by a clean bandage, well placed. I asked if he needed help getting up. He again said thank you. But he would be okay. Just give him a minute. 

I waited a little. When I saw him sit up, I left. My problem is the lack of empathy from people. It breaks my heart to see people drive by and not even just stop and call an ambulance. (If they didn’t want to approach him). When my husband stopped to check on a man passed out face down in the gutter, he told me nobody stopped. Nobody cared. Even a police car drove by, looked and kept driving. He checked on the man along with a co worker. They called 911 for him. This made me cry, and I don’t cry often. (I knew I married a good man)These people are someone’s family. We are all God’s children. Where are all the people who speak of Jesus? I don’t understand. 

I don't know what what you believe in, but I know that most faiths tell us to treat others as we want to be treated. I know I’ll get bashed for this, but I sent this piece to "Moreno Valley Matters". I was in the phone with a good friend and loved one as I was driving home.  I told him what I saw, and I told him I was gong to check on that person.  He stayed on the phone with me, in case I needed him.  He heard all of it. I have a picture, but out of human decency, I won’t post it. I took it in case something else happened, and I might need it.. I only want to wake people up to being kind to one another, that’s all.

I understand some people would feel unsafe checking, and more so if they have children in the car.  But think of this, is that not a good example to set for your children?  To teach them compassion?  Anyway, at least pull over, make sure that person doesn't get hit by a car, and call 911 to report it.  Easy! People are always quick to pull out their phones to take pictures of accidents, or funny things.  Why not pull your phone out and use it for what it was meant to be used?  Make a call, and ask for help.

Charity

Someone in a private Facebook group said this :
"Bribing people to accept one's book for food, shelter, substance abuse assistance I take a HUGE issue with. Do your charity without an ulterior motive."

I keep saying that. If the person truly believes in Jesus, Jesus never put conditions on His love. He said love on another. He also said leave the judging to God. So why is it that I decide to give someone a couple dollars to help, I get silly comments?.  I am told, "Oh don't give them money, they will use it for booze". I have answered that before.  I said, "I'd use it for booze too if I was cold, homeless and hungry. And besides that, I gave it to them, it is now theirs and they do what the want with it. Not up to me, I don't judge people. If I can help I will."

I am basically Christian, but I have seen Christians walk around a homeless person like they were contagious. All the while going into a restaurant for breakfast after Church. Sometimes it makes me hesitate to tell people I am Christian.  

My husband and I had gone to church, and after that, we went with a group from church, to breakfast.  We all waited outside the restaurant, for a spot to open.  As we were being called in a man approached us slowly and shyly.  He asked if we had some spare change, I asked the person to wait so I could get change. The others in the group just walked around him trying not to look, but also not going anywhere near him, as they went inside. It hurt to see that they really didn't learn anything by going to church. My husband stayed with me, and we caught up with them inside. And again, there was the question, "why do you give them money? they will spend it on booze, if you want to give, give them food." I was so upset, more disillusioned, and disappointed that people whom I thought had learned compassion, love and understanding, seemed not to know how to apply that in real life.

I have not read the Bible lately, but I read a lot of it when I was little, and some when I was an adult.  I know for sure that Jesus taught us to love without conditions, or exclusions.  Which leads me to something that really feels wrong.  He never told us to love only people that have our beliefs, or only people our color, or only people of a gender we approve of.  No, He said, "love one another as I have loved you."  And if you wish to disagree with Jesus, I respect your views, but..  most religions or faiths in this world teach love, compassion and understanding.  Most religions tell us to treat others as we like to be treated.  It is that simple.

I want to address the part that I just said feels really wrong.  Where do people get off telling gays, lesbians, transgenders and others (would be a long list), that they are not accepted by whatever church?  Some churches do accept, but many don't.  They keep twisting the words in the Bible until they fit their needs.  Many will argue with me that it is not natural.  I say to you all, "God doesn't make mistakes!".  No human has been an accident or a mistake, we are all God's children!  He made us all, and rejecting some people because they are different, saying God doesn't love them, it is totally unacceptable.  Because you are telling God Himself that he made a "mistake".  That is offensive to the God you all keep saying you love and respect.  

So please, we should all just get along at least.  We don't have to be all the same, because then we would not learn anything in this life.  It is our differences that make us beautiful.

If you truly want to help others, then help them.  Don't put conditions to your generosity.  Don't judge people by their appearances, you don't know what they have been through.  Don't worry about what they will do with what you give them, just give.  Don't just preach about love, generosity and compassion, unless you are willing to walk the walk.  Don't tell others what they should do, you do your thing and let others do theirs.  (unless they are putting someone in danger, obviously)