The biblical story of a man who was a Samaritan stopped to help another human being who’d been robbed and beaten–after many others had ignored or passed him by, even his own countrymen–by paying for his lodging and medical care , and checking on his welfare on the way home has come to mean people caring for one another. Hospitals have even taken on the moniker of “Good Samaritan” or “Samaritan Hospital.”
I often wonder whether I would have stopped to help that stranger who needed so much assistance. Were the people who passed the injured man by embarrassed by the thought of having others see them helping someone who wasn’t in their own tribe? Or were they just too busy to stop and help?
I know in this day and age, I could not leave an injured person on the side of the road. I just couldn’t live with myself if I did. we have cell phones; we can call 911 and get assistance from emergency personnel today. Sometimes, a person who’s injured just needs someone to talk to until the professionals arrive.
An example of a modern-day Good Samaritan might be someone who stops to help someone change a flat tire. Now, I know how to change a flat, but, at my age, I would worry about hurting myself if I were to try it.
Another example might be if someone in front of you at the grocery story is short of a couple of dollars and you can afford to help that person, reaching into your wallet and making up the difference.
And finally, something that people have been doing recently to “pay it forward,” which is kind of like an act of a Good Samaritan, is to pay for the meal for the person behind you. I have benefited from that gesture on a couple of occasions, and it’s a touching moment when you realize that someone has tried to make your day better by doing this.
Here’s a song to finish this blog. It’s Ralph McTell’s “Streets of London.” I’ve been singing this one for years.
I know I used to help more often when I was younger, but there are so many stories of people feigning hurt only to then rob the person who tries to help them. It’s created more caution in me. I still help when I feel safe enough to do so. Great post, Wanda!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
Hi Yvette–I know we all have to be cautious in this day and age, for so many reasons. When I come out of the radio station at midnight every Saturday, homeless people often accost me as I get in my car. My heart breaks for them. I wish there were something I could do for them. I often have bottles of water in my car and I will give them a bottle of water. But I’m aware of my surroundings, and the board operator always watches as I get into my car. We do have to be safe.
I read your short story about being lost in the woods and will be reviewing it this weekend!
Hello, Wanda,
That song was beautiful!!!
Yes, I have been in situations where I paid for a meal or two and was very thankful I could do it. You come home feeling good because you have helped another human being.
And yes, paying it forward is like saying thank you to everyone who reached down and helped you when you couldn’t help yourself.
I love this article. It was uplifting.
Take care and have a lovely day.
Shalom shalom
I’m glad you liked the song. It’s one of the most requested on my radio show. I really like the idea of paying it forward. I think that’s the best way to express kindness.
Thank you, Pat, across. the miles!
I couldn’t justify seeing someone in distress and not calling for help. I’m so paranoid that I would be hesitant to actually stop because sometimes it may be a setup. I know, its crazy! But so much happening in the world and if you don’t keep your antennas pointed up, you just might find yourself needing help. I admire nurses and doctors because I couldn’t go into the field. Too squeamish. I don’t even like very high buildings because of my phobias.
Once when I visited my relatives in Calfornia, we were riding through the desert and winding our way through the mountains. I was humbled. God Bless the people who blazed the trail through those mountains. Its too much for me to comtemplate.
Ok, I’m getting carried away.
Thank you Wanda for sharing your thoughts.
Hi Shirley–When I was reading to second graders on Tuesday, they were reading a book based on the diary of a young girl whose family left everything behind in Missouri to embark across the country in a covered wagon to head to Oregon. They were having trouble imagining that trip. I was as well. I told them that when I was young, there was a TV show called “Wagon Train” (starring Ward Bond). “Was it in black-and-white, Ms. Fischer?” “Yes, it was.” “That long ago?” “Yes.” Well, if they couldn’t imagine black-and-white TV, guess it’s really hard for them to consider what it was really like to get in a covered wagon and travel through the desert and mountains back then. Humbled, indeed.
Hi, Wanda,
Love the song! The audience did, too. God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7-8) and people like you, who would stop to help someone in need and who would pay it forward, are God-loved. And doesn’t it feel good to pay for the person’s order behind you, or add enough to cover the groceries of the person in front of you? Giving of your time is just as important, as is spending time with someone and listening when they need to talk.
I’m happy to know you through this club, Wanda.
Blessings!