Before we get started, if you’re not already familiar with the story, I suggest you read the parable of the good Samaritan.
To be completely honest, most days I would probably claim to have a low opinion of myself while actually thinking quite highly. Tuesday morning, I found myself truly humbled by how low I can sink.
The morning started like most any work day. Daughter didn’t sleep well, woke up groggy. Coffee… email… shower… leave late for bus so speed and jaywalk to make it in time to catch the 413. Headphones on, eyes closed… commute to work.
However, about 5 minutes after I got off at my stop, that morning took a new turn.
I work in downtown Seattle’s “International District.” This and the nearby areas are kind of the hub of our city’s homeless. I normally pass one or two people wrapped in blankets on the sidewalk, or gathered around benches and such as they begin to start their day.
What I don’t normally see is a woman sitting in the street with one shoe off and belongings laying around her and everyone staring… or like me, trying not to look too closely. Ironic that this would come 2 days after hearing a sermon on the “good Samaritan”. A sermon about a man who stops to help someone who was laying in the street.
Sad, disheartening and eye-opening that, like everyone else I saw, I passed her by. Now, I have some excuses (don’t I always?) She seemed to be ok for one. She didn’t seem hurt. It looked like she just decided to sit in the street. She seemed to possibly have some mental issues. In fact, I was a bit afraid of what she’d do if I approached her.
Reasons, sure. But is there any excuse?
On the one hand, perhaps this is just a small thing. A scene I’ve certainly seen played out before. On the other hand, the “reasons” I didn’t help? Mostly just concern for my own safety. There is concern and there is concern.
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
How quickly I forget that I was once the one that was in the ditch. When Jesus stopped to help me, it cost him his life. He knew it would, and yet He still stopped for me.
I felt like a piece of my soul broke that morning.. I pray there is time for the Potter to repair it.
“Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
Please feel free to...
Subscribe to the blog
Leave a comment
3 comments on "Good Samaritan, I was not..."
1
I feel your pain. I often wonder who I’ve been too busy to see.
The Priest and Levite probably didn’t help because they had a dozen things to do that day.
How often do I miss doing what God wants when I see a need but think, “I’d help, but I’ve got things to do for the Lord today.”
2
It’s so obvious what should be done when it’s on paper. You stop and help.
But it gets infinitely harder when the reality of it hits you, and you have to weigh the pros and cons and actually make that decision.
Don’t beat yourself up about it. Maybe we need to remember how it feels to “not” help the next time a similar situation presents itself and that will get our tails in gear.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
3
Hey Mike…
Where I live on the coast I’m sure there is a big homeless problem, but it’s not like the city where they are sprawled in front of you in plain view… I don’t know how I’d react to encountering this day after day.
Don’t beat yourself up too much – you’ve obviously got something out of the whole experience, maybe that’s the reason you crossed paths..