As I travel this country, I see a lot of people in various circumstances and stages of need. It never fails to nick my heart and my conscience to see someone with a sign proclaiming they are hungry and homeless, broken down, run out of gas, or stranded. When I've remarked to others about this, I often get told that they are just scammers that are too lazy to get a real job. For some of them, this may be true; but, I think overall it's a sad situation that forces them to swallow their pride and try to survive.
I often give out bags of canned goods to people I see with those signs or hand them a couple of bucks, a cup of coffee or a cold drink, some dog food for the dog standing stoically by their master's side.
What I've noticed is that the ones I see stopping to help or give are those who don't have much themselves. Those in expensive vehicles just glare, put up the windows, and drive on by. While those like me who are struggling just to make it seem to be far more willing to help their fellow man. Maybe because we've been down and out before and know that sometimes a couple of bucks, a smile and a kind word can make a difference in someones life.
I can't seem to adopt this callous, unfeeling, better and holier than thou attitude. Nor do I believe I want to. Because, while I may not have much, I can rest with an easy conscience knowing that I did what I could to help out another human being without passing judgement on them and that someday the favor might be returned.
To all the haves out there - there may come a day when you're money, nice car, nice home etc. won't be enough to protect or help you and others will turn their back. But, guess what, one of us working poor will probably still be willing to lend you a hand because, while we may not have much, we have a heart.
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