Sunday, December 24, 2006
Being in the Spirit
A few years ago my close friend Cody’s father lost his battle with cancer and passed away. Many people attended his memorial service and it was easy to see that this kind man was a loving father, husband and friend. It was also clear that he was deeply loved and would be greatly missed by all of those, whose lives he touched. There were many stories about receiving help and acts of kindness from him when “they really needed it.” But one simple story has stayed with and impacted me more than the others. And it also describes the kind of man Cherokee was. The story goes that Cherokee and his friend were out running errands and before entering a place of business to do their errand, a homeless drunken looking man asked for some money. Without hesitation and as he always did, Cherokee reached in his pocket and handed him money. Once inside his friend questioned why he bothered giving him money. And that “he was just going to by some alcohol with it.” Cherokees reply is what impacted me the most. He said, "What he does with it is up to him. I've done my part”. That statement changed my attitude and put me in the true spirit of giving. And although I didn’t have the honor of knowing him in life, a little bit of Cherokee lives on in my heart, as my spirit of unconditional giving.
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2 comments:
I have a hard time giving someone money. For whatever reason, it just does not come easy for me. I will however, offer up my time and labor for their benefit. In relationship to hourly wage it ends up being worth more than I would ever be able to donate. Some may not consider me benevolent for my stingy money giving, but I consider it a better way. Think about what our ancestors did to help their friends and neighbors. Sharing a side of beef, helping each other put up their crops or build a barn, or just watching out for their property was common. I may not look like a giving person when I turn down a pan handler, but I know in my heart that I do at least my share of helping out others.
elmer, well said. i can completely understand your being hesitant to support panhandlers. it seems like to give them money is a quick fix, when maybe volunteering time to a cause would help more in the long run. there's probably not a right answer here, just personal preference.
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