DAY 13, MARCH 13,2024, HAPPY NATIONAL GOOD SAMARITAN DAY!
Good Morning, Everyone,
I’m using National Good Samaritan Day as a shout-out for all those who refuse to close their eyes to people’s hunger, thirst, nakedness, homelessness, and many other ills of the human condition that we close our eyes to because it’s scary, or we’re afraid that we will have to give or do something to help minder the needs of those people.
Yes, I said, “Those people.” We tend to separate ourselves from the reality of what is happening around us. Good Samaritans don’t.
We ignore a child walking around in winter with strappy sandals or no shoes, placing the responsibility of their need on the parent or parents, but again, Good Samaritans don’t. Instead, they go to the next shoe store and buy shoes that fit and cover their feet.
We watch children shivering with cold, snotty noses and crying for food and fresh water, and some of us are confounded and others overwhelmed, but Good Samaritans aren’t. They usually buy food and clothing and leave it on the doorsteps of the homes to protect the dignity of the ones they are helping out.
Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying that giving to organizations to feed and clothe the needy is wrong. This kind of giving is needed too, but others like Doctors without Borders, Mercy Ships, Charity Water, and many other smaller organizations volunteer in person, giving medical care, building houses, and bringing clean water to people who die because of not having medical care or clean water.
Good Samaritans give not only of their money but also of their time. They use their hands to work on ships and travel to the sick and hurting, binding up wounds, and they use their hands as they go to countries to build water vessels for people who have never tasted a glass of clean water. These people are the Good Samaritans who donate their time freely; this shout-out goes to them. I applaud you.
Have a lovely day, and take care.
Shalom shalom
Pat Garcia
I agree with everything said above. One thing that bugs me though is some of these agencies that are supposed to help the poor and homeless. There is a company here in Michigan that helps the homeless move back into a furnished home and provide help in seeking work. Several times over the years, I have tried to donate furniture: a couch, loveseat, chest of drawers, kitchen table and chairs, and only on rare occasions did they accept the offering. They inspect all offerings. If there is a scratch, wear mark, gouge, rip, tear, etc. on the items, they are rejected and moved to the garbage. All were quite clean and functional. I am certain that a homeless person would have been thrilled with a roof over their head and functional furniture. It doesn’t make sense.
God Bless those who can be Good Samaritans and go over and beyond to help those less fortunate!
Good Morning, JP,
I don’t understand that either. Maybe something happened before your time and they had to draw a line.
Thank you so much for stopping by, my friend.
Shalom shalom
You uplift good Samaritans well, Pat! I, too, am thankful for all they do. They truly have hearts of gold.
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
Pat, I used to volunteer at my church cooking, feeding, and clothing. Not so much lately as those younger than me have taken over. I prefer hands-on volunteering more than donating to well known charitable organizations. Many times those donations don’t get to the people who need them.
Hi Pat–Good Samaritans are selfless and simply the salt of the earth, in my opinion. When people have compassion for those in need, it’s what makes us all human. We are family, and it’s so difficult to forget that, in my opinion.
There’s a John Prine song that says, “If you’re walking down the street sometimes, and spot some hollowed, ancient eyes–don’t just start to stare as if you don’t care–say hello in there–hello.” You’d be surprised how much good will that will bring to someone who’s lonely and needs a connection. Or a sandwich. Or a bottle of water.
Thank you for your post. It’s inspiring.
Wanda
Pat,
I think giving of yourself and your time is the most precious gift of all. Sure, you can hand out money, or donate clothes and they help a lot, but giving your time and energy is priceless. I applaud those individuals that do it.
My Dear Shirley,
I applaud them to. I have a very good friend who donates her entire vacation and holidays to Mercy Ships every year. She is a nurse and she works on the ship without pay. I admire her so much. She is a model of the way I want to live my life. I am so thankful that I have her in my life.
Thank you for coming by.
Shalom shalom
Well said Pat! your words have great meaning.
Hello, Joy,
Thank you so much for dropping by.
Have a lovely day and take care.
Shalom shalom
Amen!
Right On, Karen.
Thank you for dropping by.
Have a lovely day and take care.
Shalom shalom