Values

A lot of people talk a lot about what's wrong, usually according to the precepts of their religion. This list includes gay marriage, abortion, and any number of other hot button topics. In all the hollering about "Christian values", it seems a lot of self-proclaimed Christians forget what's right: compassion and kindness.

When the moment comes to show true kindness, so many people fail.

What do you do if someone you know is homeless? Do you take them in or tell yourself that's what homeless shelters are for?

What do you do if someone you know is hungry? Do you feed them or tell yourself that's what soup kitchens are for?

When millions of people are living in poverty, without enough to eat, without reliable shelter over their heads, without healthcare, what do you do? Do you shrug and decide they must be lazy? Or do you do something about it?

There's a saying: "There but for the grace of God go I." One bad turn could put a lot of us in unfortunate circumstances.

Just something to think about.

My parents taught us to help people if we could. They've let friends stay with them when they've needed a hand getting back on their feet, despite being told they were inviting trouble in (they've never had trouble). I remember my mom spending hours on the phone or on the porch listening to an aunt with mental illness talk about.... well, she wasn't always terribly rational or lucid, but she was harmless and nice.

We've tried to do what we can to help. Yes, sometimes we've been burned, but we've tried.