We've all had it done to us. You are at the gas pump minding your own business and then all of the sudden someone sneaks around from the other side of the gas pump and says, "Excuse me..." and starts into their "story." NOW, this is where it gets tricky. The story could be about anything from a flat tire to a lady who is running away from an abusive husband and she needs enough money to get home to her family in Jasper. This is where it gets tricky. What if they ARE ACTUALLY telling you the truth? What if they truly need it? OR... maybe it is a lie. Maybe they are scamming you for money for drugs or alcohol or any other purpose than what they originally asked you for. But, who am I to judge? Is it up to ME to decide if they are lying or telling the truth? Or do I give them what I have and leave it up to God? Now, normally I would have to say no because I never have cash.... but today was different. It was like all the cards fell into place for this lady. I had stopped at a Texaco right by the interstate to get gas and the BOTTOM had just fallen out and it was raining like crazy. I get to the pump and swipe my card and it read ERROR. I went inside and the man told me the satellite was out and I would have to have cash. WELL, I never have cash so I had to drive to the nearest ATM. I get my money out and drive on to a Chevron a little ways down the road. I get out, go inside, and pay for my gas. As soon as I walk back to my truck, this little white car pulls up and these two ladies get out. One sneaks on around the pump to me and tells me this story about her friend whose husband beats her and she needs to drive her to Jasper but they don't have the money. Now she doesn't look scary or out of the ordinary. She looked fairly normal. I had cash this time (because I had to go to the ATM). The only problem was, I only had a $20. So, lucky her gets a $20 (haha this is where it gets good) I pull out of the gas station and pull onto 79 and see this little white car whip out really fast behind me to catch the green light. It was the white car the ladies were driving. They didn't near have time enough to get gas. So I kept an eye on them. As I pulled onto Carson Rd, they did too and turned into ANOTHER gas station! I just laughed out loud and thought... well there went that $20! BUT, I did what I should've done. I tried to help someone in need. I can't guarantee that money went to "good" use, but I did what I felt was right. I have never seen my daddy turn anyone down who asked him for money... so I KNOW that's where I get it from. Help others. Let God be the Judge :) I hope everyone is having a HAPPY MONDAY!
Love,
me
"In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)
