Helping hand

Posted on April 5, 2007 at 7:00 pm by Jerad Hill 3 Comments

People are so skeptical these days. I guess I am too in ways but earlier today I was leaving Costco and this older couple was trying to get some huge box in their trunk. They had it half way in which was as far as it was going to go. He was attempting to use a plastic bag to tie the trunk lid down which would not have lasted him to the end of the parking lot. The box was quite large as he was driving a early 80s Lincoln Town Car, use your imagination…
I was parked right next to this couple. I keep ratchet tie downs in my truck because I used to have to tie boxes down in my truck all the time when I owned my last business. I keep them there because I always end up needed them at random times. I took one of them out and handed it to him. I told him to use it to secure his trunk so the box would not fall out. He was hesitant. He said, “Are you sure that is yours?” and I said, yes I have several of these in my truck. He asked, “Well how much do those cost?” As if I was going to charge him for it. I told him they are not that expensive and that it was his to keep. The one I gave him was a little old and weathered but still very functional. I told him just to take it so he did not have an accident on the way home. When he finally realized that I was just giving it to him with no strings attached he thanked me and said that was a very kind thing to do… It really sucks that people are so skeptical of everybody these days. I don’t really blame them, the way advertising and sales people are anymore… I guess I’m pretty skeptical at times but I still naturally want to trust people and take them for their word.
I invite your thoughts on this, leave a comment and share how you feel.

  • Jacob

    This is very true. I have been in multiple situations where I have seen a homeless person asking for money to buy food and instead of giving them money I will buy them food where ever I am at if possible and even they are sometimes hesitant of receiving food from a stranger.

  • Elaine

    I have offered help to others at times also. People have asked me why. The Lord says, ” Whatever you do for the least of these you do unto me.” I want to share in my abundance God has given me. Even if someone is asking for money or a handout I respond with something and I have a little pack of cards and I give one of those out each time that tells about God’s gift of salvation. Don’t stop doing something good because of what others say or think. If God puts it on you heart to do it you must do it. Elaine H.

  • Jennifer

    You know, as much as it does suck that people are so skeptical these days, I think that a lot of it is simply for purposes of the perceived need for self preservation. For example I’m in my late twenties, I’m a single female and I would be very hesitant to let a man help me with anything near my vehicle if I was alone…I think the sad part is that in this day and age, we HAVE to be cognizant of the risks that simply accepting a helping hand might carry. It’s not that I’m un-trusting, but rather because I have a tendency to trust immediately that I force myself to be overly watchful or even paranoid. In this case, I wonder if the older gentleman’s reaction was because often, we are conditioned from birth to believe that nothing in this world is free, and that ultimately everything will cost you something. Wish there were more people out there like you, that truly posses the best of intentions…hopefully this man will go out and pay it forward.