Today I saw a homeless guy wearing a baseball cap with a Jesus fish on it.
Scenario 1: Brilliant strategy. People who call themselves Christian damn straight better put something in your cup.
Scenario 2: Despite being on the street, begging...he still believes.
Scenario 3: Someone gave him the cap and he's not associating it with anything. Just protecting his head from today's rain.
11 comments:
I'm laughing at Scenario 1.
True, as Christians we should help the homeless but I've never given them money cuz you never know what they may spend it on. (Hint: think booze, drugs, cigarettes)
So whenever we've encountered these folks, we buy some food at a fast food joint and bring it to them.
That way we're helping them but not contributing to any "vices"....
Kelli
The fabulous counselor who saved me during the hardest years with Evan used to tell me that there are always 12 possible interpretations of a given "reality."
I like the three you have here, but I'll bet there are lots of others, too.
In any case, love your observations.
The ixthus symbol - originally used by believers who were persecuted as a way to mark houses where people could safely come and worship. At least that's what I've heard. Always wondered if that was myth or true.
Glad to live in a country where it can be worn (no matter the scenario) without fear of death!
:-)
P.S. I'll have to watch that Seinfeld episode.
In the Seinfeld episode, Elaine's boyfriend is supposedly Christian, but he is utterly unconcerned about her faith. He just assumes she's going to hell, and he's cool with that.
She gets mad and steals his Jesus fish.
BTW....how do you pronounce ixthus?
wait--what was the jesus fish seinfeld? i think i missed it!
i always give the guys money. i do. i figure it's none of my business what they spend it on.
I love that Seinfeld episode. Puddy was awesome! Probably spelled that wrong.
I have seen people with signs that say, "I'm a laid-off Christian..." or something like that, and wondered the same thing.
Kyra,
I agree when it's their *own* money they should spend it on whatever they want.
But when they're on a street corner asking strangers to hand over their own hard earned money claiming that they are homeless and hungry, they have an obligation to spend it on *essentials* like food.
Since I can't verify that will happen, I ask them what kind of food they like (at Mickey Dee's) and I go buy it and bring it back to them.
If they are *truely* homeless they will be thankful for the food.
My .02
I think it is great for people to go out their way, and buy a homeless person a meal. It is above and beyond what most would do. It is a very loving choice to make.
Also...as far as giving money, if it is truly a gift, then it is the recipient's own money to do with what they wish.
I always gave money to homeless people until I lived in DC, where I had to pass by dozens of them daily on my commute to work. There was no way I could give to all of them every day. I had to find a charity and make periodic donations rather than giving to each person I saw.
We all have to figure out what works for us. Giving isn't one size fits all, but one thing is certain, a true gift always makes the giver feel great.
I've always pronounced it
Ick-thoos
I like #2.
As for number one, we shoudl do it no matter what his hat has on it. ;)
This reminds me of where Christ says that where we show mercy to others, we show mercy to Him, and how we "never know where angels walk in disguise."
;)
BTW...that is my FAVORITE Seinfeld EVER. I laugh my ass off when he has her swipe the paper, because she's going to hell anyway. hahahahahahaha
And she makes the devil horns at him. lol!
:)
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