Passing-by a pedestrian overpass this morning, I saw a homeless family taking shelter there. They have three children, the oldest is around 4 years of age and the youngest was probably less than 1 years old because it was still cuddled by the mother. They made the whole overpass their home – All of their things are scattered around the overpass from one end to another. The farthest end was their backyard where the head of the family segregates all the garbage they collected, preparing it to be sold to the nearest junkshop.
It took me just about 10 seconds to cross the overpass, as I reached the other end; I looked back, reached my pocket, looked at the money, looked back again and went down the overpass.
I just looked back and did nothing. It felt hard, felt really hard for doing nothing. They are not asking for help but i know they need it.
They say it’s wrong to give charity directly to beggars because we’re encouraging them to beg instead of helping them. That there are plenty of charitable institutions where you can give you help so that it will be used properly. Those charitable institutions does not only give them money but were also teaching them ways to earn money aside of begging.
What if there’s someone in front of you, someone who needs your help, do you still need to go to the nearest charitable institution? Sarcastic as it sounds but what can we do? Is this really the right thing to do when this feels so wrong?
When is the right time to give help? Where is the right place to offer it? Do I have to wait for them to cry for help because giving it to them? Do I have to see them lying on the ground looking so helpless?
I wanted to help them but I’m also afraid that they might get angry. They’re just homeless – not beggars. I really want to help them so I ask for Gods help to give me courage. My intention is good that’s why I don’t have to be afraid. Thank God for he gave me courage I’m asking for. I bought a pack of bread, a spread and a juice for their breakfast. I slowly approach them and greeted them MERRY CHRISTMAS before handing over my gift.
They smiled at me. It was very heartwarming when I heard the lady said “Thank you and Merry Christmas”. I can see the happiness in them but I’m happier than they are.
It took me just about another 10 seconds to hand over the gift pack but already feels a day of happiness in me.
