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.

A Little Dose of Guilt

Time magazine came today and includes a color-coded map indicating what percent of total household consumption expenditure is spent on food in various countries around the world.  Only 7 percent is spent on food in the US and Canada, while 45% goes for food in Kenya and 46% in Pakistan.  


I can't help but think of all the things I would not have if nearly half of what I spent had to go towards food.  I am not an extravagant person by American standards. I never buy the most expensive of anything.  I walk through the mall and can't figure out who keeps all those stores in business.  My house is furnished comfortably, but it doesn't reek of money.  I still feel a bit guilty.


I am no more valuable in God's sight than the poorest soul on earth.  I didn't do anything to deserve to be born in the United States.  I am grateful for a warm house on a cold night, for clean running water, for a comfortable bed and soft pillow and for the good meal we had this evening.  It is true that my husband and I are hard workers, but so are many people around the world who have none of the comforts and conveniences we enjoy.


Those of us with abundant resources do have an obligation to the rest of the world.  We are stewards of what God allows us to have.  It is a good thing to be reminded.