Remember those less fortunate

[Minnie]

Last week on my way to SoWal to pick up my friend Kat on our way to Orlando, I was stopped at an exit ramp in Montgomery, AL when I was approached by a homeless woman and her dog.

I never know what do when approached by panhandlers, as I sometimes wonder if the money I give will simply buy more drugs or alcohol, but the dog tugged at my heart so I gave her $20. I drove away with tears in my eyes.

As I turned off the exit ramp and started toward 331 to continue my journey south, I looked up to see her walking back up to the underside of the Interstate. There under the highway was a group of about 20 homeless men and women and probably about 5 dogs living under the interstate.

The entire week of my trip I could not stop thinking about them. I knew it was suppose to get down to freezing this past weekend.

I was determined that on my way back home I would stop and buy some gloves, hats and dog food. But either the cold or the police had moved them on.

I can only hope they found shelter from the cold. I decided then, I would not hestitate next time to do what my heart told me to do and simply go right then and get some things to share.

Makes one wonder what happens in the life of someone that puts them there under a highway on a cold night with only the company of a stray dog.

 

[GoodWitch58]

Minnie, what a generous person you are. I know the feeling--I used to struggle with the idea of whether or not to give for the same reasons: would it simply buy more drugs or booze, or whatever. My husband used to always say, "I will buy them food, but I won't give them money." That never felt quite comfortable to me.

So, many years ago, I decided that the choice to help was my choice--the choice to use the money for whatever was not my choice, but the receiver's.

I truly believe that the more we give with a generous heart, the more that comes back to us. I have seen it in my own life and I am sure you have too. It may not always come back in the same manner, but it always comes back.

These days there are so many people in need--it is difficult to know exactly how to help, especially during the holidays. But, for those moments when the need is staring us in the face--or standing at our car window--I think that in our heart, we all know what to do...

Who knows what a difference that $20 might make in that woman's life.