by Chris Stubbs

Created on: December 22, 2009

There is no benefit to anyone when responding to beggars. I am speaking with an open heart, when I say that the worst thing you can do is fill their needy hand. There is a perspective that allows the spirit of giving to come out in people who spend their energy pouring their hearts out to the streets. It makes people feel good to see hungry mouths fed, it helps them sleep at night. They see tears turn to smiles and get all warm and fuzzy inside. People have a habit of seeing what they want. It would be much harder to stick around and hear the insults that are spoken toward you when you’re gone. It's all about well off you are, and how you've got it made. What helpers don't see is the rebellion to the very hand that feeds them. They don't see that there is some other corner full of people selling food and car washes to feed their families. What people don't see is the $1,300 dollars a month that gets smoked up before the first week of the month.

Mindless giving is a form of laziness. Sure, you might be better than some greedy person, but if there were more greedy people, old Joe would smoke less crack, and eat more chicken that he paid for himself. There are people who want to change, who actually need help and those who need to know someone cares. If you are too lazy to go looking for them, then keep driving past the panhandler spots. If you’re naive enough to throw cash from the rooftops, then it should be you that has to break up the angry mob fighting over your money.

There are creative ways to give. Giving someone your love and attention sparks new ideas of ways to give. You begin to get more in touch with their needs, and in the process, learn more about yourself. If you have the capacity to risk exposing your heart to this type of rollercoaster, it can take your life to heights you never thought were possible. If you’re scared about what people might think of you for saying no, or you’re worried about them going into the cold and lonely night without a buck, then acting on your fear is nothing more than selfishness. It has nothing to do with the type giving that changes lives.

The type of giving that any good will always be a way to challenge yourself. When you feel that fear of being judged for not helping a beggar, know that no one who judges you could be doing anything for anyone but themselves anyway. Giving takes personal power, and if you don't have that type of power, you are not capable of giving anyone anything but a slower, more miserable death.

Learn more about this author, Chris Stubbs.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.