A Helping Hand, Part I.

And the guy? He hopped into his car, said a few words to “Melissa,” and then… drove off.

I guess he didn’t need gas money as badly as he thought.

Now, I’m writing this primarily to get it out of my head. When I got home, I told Kim what had happened, and then I stewed for another hour or two, enough to have trouble falling asleep.

I like reading about con men. I have a handful of books on how they work, how to spot them, the inner workings of scams, etc. (Someday I actually hope to READ them.) So when I’ve been so bluntly duped, I feel like an idiot. And I’m sitting here replaying the situation in my head, thinking of all the things I could’ve said or done to verify whether he was telling the truth or not.

I could have asked to see his driver’s license (to verify his Huntsville residence). I could have asked to see the $8.00. Offered to pump gas directly into his car. So many things I could’ve done, but didn’t.

I strongly believe in what I told him, though. Money is neutral, but in the wrong hands, used with the wrong heart, it is, without question a curse. And that man? While I don’t know what he might run into later on down the road, I have no question he’s going to reap what he’s sown. It’s Biblical and universal – we reap what we sow. We make the messes in our lives because of our poor decisions.

Next time this happens, however, I think I’ll have to point out – quite clearly – that the money I’m giving isn’t MY money. It’s God’s money. So if they’re accepting it under false pretenses? They’re not stealing from me, they’re stealing from God. And once I’ve made that element of truth crystal clear – they can have all the money in my wallet. Seriously. If they’re genuinely in need, I’d LOVE to help someone out. I just pray for the wisdom to spot the next swindler BEFORE I hand over the dough next time. Not only so I can save the money to give elsewhere, but also because I’m really not that into letting people curse themselves in their own greed. (If they’re persistent, though, I’m not gonna stop them, either.)

And that’s my story. My cathartic tale of woe and wisdom. I guess the thread running in the back of my mind is this: I felt I shouldn’t spend the $20 at Target. Then I found a penny. Then a guy asks for money. I think there’s a spiritual element to all this, but it’s not the After School Special, “feel good” conclusion I would have expected. It would have been more satisfying if the need was genuine, if I KNEW without a doubt that I did the right thing.

As it stands? I leave it in God’s hands. And I pray my mind gets distracted by other, more worthy things to ruminate on today. I’m tired of rehashing this scenario. Time to move on.

Kevin

Coincidentally, the verse I read the next day:

“He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.”

Proverbs 28:27

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