...it's a good thing I'm not omnipotent. Folks have been taking advantage of our church's benevolence. We've been robbed, had a car in our parking lot broken into during a church service and had liars come among us pretending to be in need in search of money. Don't get me wrong, if there is a genuine need, we are more than happy to assist.
Last night a girl came to the church saying that she needed money for gas. Steven, being the realist that he is, told her he would not give her cash, but he'd go to the gas station with her and purchase the gas for her. She agreed, saying she'd meet us there. We proceeded to drive, about 20 minutes out of our way, to have her never show up. We learned that her husband is a drug addict and she's swindled folks from our church before.
Part of me wants to call down curses on her and her kind. Part of me is saddened to know that there are people for whom nothing is sacred. Not the caring spirit of a group of people who want to help. Not the words of our God who tells us as Christians that we're to help those in need. How dare people take advantage of that?
Right now the cursing side of me is winning out. God grant me the ability to forgive those that do us wrong.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
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6 comments:
This reminds me of when MY WIFE did some work for our old church. She collected some old clothes to give to the homeless and such. Well, somebody stole about half the clothes she had collected. Her response? "If somebody is doing so poorly in life that they feel the need to steal those clothes, then I guess they went to the right person."
Sounds about right to me, too :-)
My Mum devoted a lot of her time to the church too.
What a wonderful gift of trust that Steven drove all the way to the gas station. It says a lot about his belief in human nature - and that is such a good thing, Sarah.
(Glad you liked my sunset shots)
I hate that feeling of being burned... We've gone through it several times, but I keep telling myself that my calling is just to give as inspired - what happens to the gift after it is given is no longer my concern. Doesn't keep it from being frustrating, of course... :)
Be wary but don't lose yourself to the selfish. They're not worth it.
Yes, That stuff happens all over. Doesn't make it right. We've had it happen many times at our church. I always believe people for what they say, and if I find out later that they are lying, they only thing I think of is God knows the hearts of those who gave and those who took advantage and He will judge. And as your Uncle Shelby always said, "I wouldn't want to be in their shoes for thier socks."
Just keep trusting in the Lord, hon. Don't give up your ideals.
It is frustrating. I did volunteer work in a food pantry, and many times the people coming for food most definitely were not in need of it.
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