Post by Radrook Admin on Jul 20, 2024 8:02:39 GMT -5
Careful with Panhandlers!
We all know what a panhandler is right? Those individuals who go around approaching strangers on the street and asking for money. Now, as a Christian, of course, I am told to have compassion on the misfortune of others.
So whenever a panhandler approaches me, my Christian conscience always kicks in. Now, that has led me into some very weird situations with these panhandling folks. You see, unfortunately, not all panhandlers are humble people who are genuinely in need. Some go about panhandling because they want to feel clever after they fool people.
Examples
One fellow in Chicago, this Hillbilly, begged me for a quarter. After I gave him the quarter, he took out a fistful of quarters from his pocket smirking defiantly, and boasting about how he really didn't need a quarter at all. Seemed as if he was an ex con looking for a way to get into a scuffle in order to get back into the prison-system.
Well, the entire garbage might have been worth it to him. I, in total contrast, had far better things to do than to get into a fight over a quarter. So after calmly giving him some Christian advice, during which he seemed to be listening attentively, I calmly walked away and left him to his misery.
This other Panhandler, not only asked for money, but for a ride because he was partially lame. I noticed that he was walking with a very pronounced limp while using a cane. Well, I transported him to his destination and he was very civil during the ride. But no sooner had we arrived, when he suddenly underwent a total transformation.
To my astonishment, his limping was gone, and he began angrily telling me that that I didn't deserve God's blessing because I had hesitated. Angrily told me that my helping him was worthless in God's eyes because God likes a happy giver. Lo and behold! He was no longer lame, but suddenly seemed to be in perfect health as he very rapidly strode away.
Other panhandlers will thank you only if they feel that the amount you gave them meets their expectations. These will silently turn their backs on you and walk away in order to get that message across, and make you feel as if you had just been easily swindled.
Others of this ilk, will immediately begin asking others for more money after you had provided them with the amount they had claimed that they urgently needed. Yet others will savagely insult you if you tell them that they owe you some gesture of appreciation. Some might even shoot or maybe knife you if you attempt to get your money back. So is it worth the risk? I don't think so.