Fuckin' Change

The other day I was rushing like normal, to work. On the way I passed this man sitting on the ground next to a women. Both were homeless, begging for change from the many people passing them by. I saw them of course, but my mind was set on the fact that I was already late. Stopping would take time, and it also meant I had to open my purse, find my wallet, and take out some money.

What an inconvenience.

As I passed by the man he looked straight at me and yelled "Give me your fuckin' change!" Mind you I had my earphones in and my Ipod was on, but there was no ignoring his voice.

I continued walking on right by without even giving him a glance, thinking 1) What right does this man have to treat me like that, and say something like that, and 2) Now I really don't want to give him any money.

A couple steps later I realized what I had just been thinking.

What right does this man have? He has every right. What right do I have to treat him like that? I have none.

So with my pride knocked down by the conviction of the Holy Spirit I reached into my bag, pulled out my wallet and turned around and back down the street.

As I approached him I looked him in the eyes and said "Hey man I'm sorry I ignored you earlier. I was late for work, but you don't deserve to be treated like that. Have a great day."

The man thanked me and smiled, and I continued on to work.

It was completely humbling.