The Bible as a Prop

Last night I was entering a McDonald's in the southern tier of New York State with my husband, daughter and grandson.  My grandson ran ahead to make maximum use of the Playland.  As my husband and I strolled in, we were greeted just outside the door by a man about our age holding a Bible.  I figured we were going to be approached about the status of our souls, but after he gave as an engaging smile and warm 'hello,' he added, "Could you buy a burger and drink for a hungry man?"


Ah...so that's the game. He had just lit up a cigarette, which he quickly snuffed, but he had that Bible held obviously in the other hand, and probably figured that lent him some worth which might get him noticed by someone with a Christian heart.  Hmmmmmmmmmm.


I motioned him to come in with us.  He stood in line next to me while others of my family used the rest room.  When my daughter came over to give me her order, she whispered, "Make a new friend, did ya?"


I asked the man a few questions...."Where are you from?"
"Washington, DC"
"What brings you here?"
"I'm visiting family in Pennsylvania and staying in a hotel nearby."
I wanted to ask, "Why do you smoke?  If you didn't have to buy cigarettes, you might have money for a burger and drink."  
But, I didn't.
We got our order and the man thanked me and went off to eat.  We ate in the Playland area keeping an eye on the grandson.


I did not explain to the man that he didn't need the Bible as a prop.  I have a policy never to give anyone money, since I don't know how they will spend it, but to always give food to anyone who asks.  I have done this in Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, Sarasota in Florida, in front of the local Walmart and probably some other places I don't remember.


But this, is the first time I have ever seen the Bible used as a prop.