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[Travis Baugh Company: Wealth Masters International Contribution Level: 1]

This morning as I was on my way home from my workout I had to stop for gas. While I was filling up and cleaning the windshield, I was approached by a man saying he was stranded and he asked if I could help him out. I told him I was sorry, but I couldn't help him. This has been my standard response for a long time to people asking for money. I was thinking that I've got problems too, I don't have a job, I'm collecting unemployment while I try to get my business running, all of the excuses I had to look out for #1.

After I got home, I started thinking. I may have my own problems, but I am not standing around a gas station begging for change. I have the money to fill up my car. I have cash in my pocket that I'm just holding on to. I have a business that, even though I am still building it, has the potential to end my money issues for good. I could easily have spared a few dollars to help someone less fortunate than myself. I am trying to become a person who gives more than he takes, and here was my chance to do that. But I fell into old habits without thinking about it, and made the easy, selfish decision.

So how do I learn from this? I recognize my action, and the disconnect from what I did and what I want to do. In the future, I will take a moment to consider how I can help another person in need, rather than only thinking about myself. I don't know that man's situation. I know my situation. I know that a buck or two will not keep me from eating today, or keep me from paying my bills. It might make a difference to him though.

I'm not trying to say that everyone should give money to anyone that walks up to them. I am saying that, this morning, I could have helped another person and chose not to. I disappointed myself, and just wanted to share my growth with you. I will try to be a better person in the future.

[Richard Bravo Company: Life Force International Contribution Level: 9]

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Don't beat yourself up too hard bro...
I've been in that exact situation and used that exact response so many times I couldn't count if I tried.

There have been countless times I passed someone with the sign, sitting next to the mall entrance and just ignored them. A lot of times it ends there.

Other times I've had this gut check and driven all the way back across town to give them some cash.
Or my wife would ask "honey do you want to give him some money?" That's the one that always gets me.
She doesn't always ask, but when she does it's usually because she's feeling lead to give.
Sometimes she reminds me Jesus said to give to those who ask. Sometimes she doesn't have to say anything.

Sometimes it's a couple bucks. Some times 5, 10 , 20... what ever.

You have to use wisdom in these situations too I think. There are people out there scamming.
But then we come back to give to those who ask... urghhhh. It's not always easy.

It's like tithing. I don't know your spiritual beliefs, but a lot of this stuff is "universal."
It was really hard for me for many many years to do it.And for many I flat out refused.
In fact to this day I disagree with a lot of the dogma attached to it. But that's another story for another time. Anyway...

Somewhere I heard... (paraphrasing)
"How can you be given much when you cannot give from little? If you can't give $0.10 from a dollar,
what makes you think you'd give $1,000,000.00 from $10,000,000.00?"

I remember the first time I wrote a big tithe check. It was for $11,000.00
$11,000... holy cow batman!

I know that's nothing to a lot of people.
But I had never given away that kind of money in my life - EVER.

You know what?... It Was AWESOME!
Not from some "Look at Me" perspective, but the first thing that went through my head was
"man, think of all the kids this is going to feed."

So yeah, I hear you man. It's tough and something you have to cultivate. And each time may feel like a test... and maybe it will be. Only you can pass the test.

My suggestion... If you feel it in your heart and in your gut just go with it.
Let the "universe" work out the details. You never know how many kids it may feed.
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[katongole johnny.s Contribution Level: 2]

Hi thanks for posting this,you know life is not easy but we our selves,we should make it easy.
At times you can help at times don't because to some people it becomes a habit of begging.
We are not all equal but we have to look for the solution to overcome that problem.
How? Make plan by finding out what makes you poor,at times you might find your self not having
a job,then look for a job.
Creating friendship with other people is another way to solve problem because those people have faced
problem,they will consult you how to overcome problem.

[Tom Bradley Company: Herbalife International of America, Inc. Contribution Level: 3]

Great post. Thanks for the candor.

I imagine everyone has faced this test...and most have failed. I know my record is not too impressive.

My first tendency is always to judge. Isn't that the first thing that scripture tells us NOT to do? Is it really up to me if this person is honest or not? If he got into his situation over poor choices? If he is going to use the money to buy beer? The "universe" only cares about my intentions.

For most of us facing this test it's time to get involved. The parable of the Good Samaritan. The Samaritan didn't pass a hand full of wadded up bills to the man stricken on the side of the road. He took him and cared for him and saw that he got to his destination.

The few times I've taken the time to really help someone are some of the most fulfilling memories I have. Thank you for reminding me what is really important.

[Ilka Flood Company: Isagenix Corporation Contribution Level: 4]

Travis,

Way to go to share your personal story. That took guts!

Now I have to admit, I do have a heart for the less fortunate and when I can, I give. I was scolded once by my step-mother because I gave money to a woman sitting out in the cold with her infant begging. It was around Christmas time so it especially made an impression on me.

But the story I would like to share with you is when my husband found a homeless person outside a grocery store one early Saturday morning. Now homeless people are not allowed to loiter around the shops here in our community. But this person did. He must have been really desperate or lost, because you don't see many homeless around here.

Anyway, he touched my husband's heart so he invited him into the store to pick some food out for breakfast. The store clerks looked at the strange pair but did not say a word as the homeless man picked out some pastries and some juice. After my husband paid they left the store, but still remained in the parking lot as my husband tried to offer the man to come home with him and maybe take a bath or a shower. He politely declined.

What really was cool though was, that one of the clerks from the store came up tho them with a plastic bag full of fruit and other food for the homeless person.

You just never know how you can touch someone else's life. So given the chance .... just do it!

[Travis Baugh Company: Wealth Masters International Contribution Level: 1]

Thank you for the replies everyone! I know that I'm not the only one who struggles with these experiences. I just felt that I needed to talk about it for my own growth and writing about it helps me to absorb the lesson. I appreciate everyone's support and great stories!

[Ilka Flood Company: Isagenix Corporation Contribution Level: 4]

Travis,

You are so very welcome. I hope you don't keep beating yourself up about it. You really shouldn't. You are only human. We all get promptings we don't act on every once in a while. The good thing is, you are evaluating the choice you made. I am sure, if you are ever in the same situation again you will act completely different.

Have a blessed day!

[Ann Peniston Company: Herbalife International of America, Inc. Contribution Level: 1]

Okay, you've felt the guilt. The next guy who asks for help is going to be lucky because of what you learnt today. That's what life is all about. The guy at the service station will be fine because the next (or the next) person along will have gone through what you are experiencing right now. I used to say NO years ago but as my income improved so did my tithing or donating to the poor.

I've been 'had' too by some really good 'hard-luck' stories. I handed over 100 bucks in exchange for the 'office key' to be kept as surety for the return of the money. To this day I still have the KEY. A salutary lesson and one I won't forget in a hurry.